Orlando Magic 2021-2022 Press Conference

[false9]

Hello, everyone. Let's begin with a look back to last season.

For the most part, last year was a success by our measure. Dario Saric's exit was a big story last offseason, and we were surprised when the opportunity came to re-acquire him (along with future assets), but we couldn't turn it down. It was disappointing to see Dario opt out and sign elsewhere, but that opened up some opportunities elsewhere. Financially, things were a success as well. Between our transaction churning and various off-court dealings, we were able to gain over forty points.

Our record was good enough for the 4th spot in the draft lottery , but unfortunately we dropped down to the fifth spot in the draft. We were still pleased with selecting Trae Young who looks to have a bright future some day. We were also happy to bring in James Pratt, while getting some points to move down for him.

Free agency brought some surprises. We quickly matched Desean Hawkins in restricted free agency. Dario Saric's exit meant open cap space, and with that Boris Hailey signed a lucrative but fair deal (We've reminded him renting is better than buying at this point). Earl Obryant is an interesting project at a position that short on supply in the league.Also joining on shorter deals are Spencer Hawes, Ish Smith, Kyle Lowry, and Pierre Jaco (they're also renting).

This season will be similar to last season- we'll be showcasing guys who could be interesting to contenders around the league while giving our younger projects time to contribute. If we continue adding assets (picks or points) and seeing who's worth keeping around, I'll be happy with the season. Our new geriatric owner Scott Young has made it known winning is a priority, but I've extolled the virtue of patience in our planning.

With that, the floor's open.

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: If you had to look into your crystal ball, how many trades do you see yourself pulling off this season, and how many 1st round draft picks do you think you will attain before the trade deadline?

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: It seems like this team could possibly be competitive, if one were to look at the players you've brought in. If you somehow find yourself closer to the top half of the league than the bottom come Day 60, will you go with the flow, or stick to the plan and ship out talent?

[false9]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: If you had to look into your crystal ball, how many trades do you see yourself pulling off this season, and how many 1st round draft picks do you think you will attain before the trade deadline?

I'll say two trades this season. PROVE ME WRONG PEOPLE, THE MAGIC ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

The league values first rounders- who wouldn't want the chance to draft a yellow/yellow who's RFA rights will be declined? It will be difficult to pry one away, but I'd guess one first rounder of the lottery.

[false9]

Random Reporter: It seems like this team could possibly be competitive, if one were to look at the players you've brought in. If you somehow find yourself closer to the top half of the league than the bottom come Day 60, will you go with the flow, or stick to the plan and ship out talent?

Having looked at the rest of the league, I'd say if we really went for it, we'd be challengers for the 8th spot. As exciting as the prospect is of getting swept by the Bulls, we're dead set on the plan (unless we go the first six sims undefeated).

[Soundwave]

If you had to pick one, what is the most important single attribute or skill of any lone player on your team? For instance Young's quickness, or Hawkins' strength, etc................ Just one.

[Conroy]

It seemed like you kept trading down in the late lotto to acquire points, and something you mentioned a time or two already. How important is it to you or the franchise to continue to stockpile points in hopes of training one of these young guys into a super star.

[false9]

If you had to pick one, what is the most important single attribute or skill of any lone player on your team? For instance Young's quickness, or Hawkins' strength, etc................ Just one.

You nailed it- Hawkins' STR. We know how important athleticism is in the game, and coupled with his other skills and the dearth of wings in the league, we expect big things from him this year.

[false9]

It seemed like you kept trading down in the late lotto to acquire points, and something you mentioned a time or two already. How important is it to you or the franchise to continue to stockpile points in hopes of training one of these young guys into a super star.

In the case of Pratt, it was opportunity and desire coming together. We thought we'd be able to land Pratt at a lower spot, so we made the best of it. Luckily, we gauged correctly.

Points are always important- whether it's for training, buying a pick, or greasing the wheels in a trade, we won't turn down a chance to add to the bank.

[IamQuailman]

At what point do you cash in on the picks you have in your inventory?

[false9]

At what point do you cash in on the picks you have in your inventory?

It's a moving target. It really depends on what the rest of the league looks like and what's available in the off-season. We'll reevaluate on a season by season basis.

[Eazy P]

Will Young get the majority of minutes in the backcourt early on or will you wait til after the trade deadline after showcasing vets for contenders?

[false9]

Will Young get the majority of minutes in the backcourt early on or will you wait til after the trade deadline after showcasing vets for contenders?

Young will enjoy the Jeff Duren redshirt special this year. We expect him to be awake during team meetings though.

[digiskunk]

DeSean Hawkins hasn't developed as quickly as others in his draft class, but it's beginning to look like he's really turned a page and transformed himself into a super productive player. He literally went from averaging 9.7 points in 2019 to averaging 17 points in 2020. What are your predictions for the upcoming season, statistically-speaking?

[false9]

DeSean Hawkins hasn't developed as quickly as others in his draft class, but it's beginning to look like he's really turned a page and transformed himself into a super productive player. He literally went from averaging 9.7 points in 2019 to averaging 17 points in 2020. What are your predictions for the upcoming season, statistically-speaking?

Something around 19/6/4 and a slight uptick in TS% would be ideal. He's getting paid big money now, and we expect commensurate production.

[digiskunk]

DeSean Hawkins hasn't developed as quickly as others in his draft class, but it's beginning to look like he's really turned a page and transformed himself into a super productive player. He literally went from averaging 9.7 points in 2019 to averaging 17 points in 2020. What are your predictions for the upcoming season, statistically-speaking?

Something around 19/6/4 and a slight uptick in TS% would be ideal. He's getting paid big money now, and we expect commensurate production.

Is it true that he only trims his toenails twice a year?

[false9]

DeSean Hawkins hasn't developed as quickly as others in his draft class, but it's beginning to look like he's really turned a page and transformed himself into a super productive player. He literally went from averaging 9.7 points in 2019 to averaging 17 points in 2020. What are your predictions for the upcoming season, statistically-speaking?

Something around 19/6/4 and a slight uptick in TS% would be ideal. He's getting paid big money now, and we expect commensurate production.

Is it true that he only trims his toenails twice a year?

You're confusing him with Howard Hughes.