2022-2023 Magic Preseason Press Conference

[false9]

Hello, friends. GM false9 here. Let's take a quick look back at least season. We continued our tried and true formula of churning for future assets- Boris Hailey, Ish Smith, Kyle Lowry, Spencer Hawes, Ryan Anderson, and Brian Stark found themselves exiting Orlando. We finished with the third worst record in the league, plenty of cap space, and a pile of assets.

After the lottery, we found ourselves in the three spot. We were considering Joubert, but weren't really blown away by our options. After exploring our options, we dealt for Josh Jackson. We didn't land the big names we wanted in free agency, but we were pleased to sign Noel, Green, Faried, Lamb, Ramos, and Snelling. Normally, this is where I'd put the "hit me up on day 60" sales pitch, but this mint actually be a decent mix of talent. We'll know more after day 60.

The lineup will look like this:

Towers/Noel
Faried/Green
Hawkins/Jackson
Lamb/Jackson
Ramos/Snelling

The goal this season can go one of two ways- either this collection is good enough for a low playoff spot or we keep doing the same thing we've been doing the last few seasons and find the vets new homes and continue stockpiling. I'm happy though- if the future isn't bright this season, I'm certainly excited for the talent we're putting together.

I'll take your questions now.

[ballsohard]

What teams do you consider on the same timeline as you? Can you compare builds?


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[JNR]

GWR: Is Jackson the cornerstone or are you still looking for that franchise star?

[NOLa.]

You were specifically called out in one of the fan-questions during the Horns & Fangs podcasts for your builds. Is this build intentional and how long do you feel it will take until you're a contender for a second ring?

[Eazy P]

Is this season a tank or bust season? If not do you plan on making moves to pick up players to make another run for a ring?

[WigNosy]

Hawkins and Lamb tore it up in the preseason. Do you intend to keep them together or will one of them be moved so you can give Josh Jackson more court time?

[false9]

What teams do you consider on the same timeline as you? Can you compare builds?


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The Spurs are probably a bit further ahead of us- they've got a great group of young talent. Even though they've got a surplus of point guards, I would expect some manuvering from them and a playoff berth next season. I don't know that Eazy has been as much of a salesman as I have these past few seasons, and I've been very deliberate in what I've acquired. As the saying goes, there are many roads to Dublin, maybe the Spurs and Magic can meet one day.

One team I would also highlight is the Thunder- they started out rebuilding probably the same time we did, but it looks like there's no end in sight there.

[false9]

GWR: Is Jackson the cornerstone or are you still looking for that franchise star?

Assuming blessed TCs in the future, I think so. We were high on him going back to last year's draft. Hopefully his production early on forces us to give him more minutes than expected.

[garbageman]

Will Trae Young see any minutes this year?

[digiskunk]

DeSean Hawkins has drastically improved these last few seasons. After having an exciting preseason, he surely hopes to have that continue into the regular season. What sort of numbers do you anticipate him putting up heading forward?

[false9]

You were specifically called out in one of the fan-questions during the Horns & Fangs podcasts for your builds. Is this build intentional and how long do you feel it will take until you're a contender for a second ring?

I'm definitely intentionally working my way towards something. All these signings and trades are piling up the assets. Being a contender is really dependent on TC. Guys like Saric and Young haven't developed as much as I'd have liked.

[false9]

Is this season a tank or bust season? If not do you plan on making moves to pick up players to make another run for a ring?

It's unlikely the pieces are out there to push the chips in to make a title run. If the first four Sims show promise I might make some slight tweaks. If not, you'll likely see a repeat of what I've done the past few seasons- FIRE SALE

[false9]

Hawkins and Lamb tore it up in the preseason. Do you intend to keep them together or will one of them be moved so you can give Josh Jackson more court time?

We'll keep them together for now, but Lamb is the more likely candidate to move. Right now, Jackson is in line for 25 minutes, but I'd like to see him above 30 a game.

[false9]

Will Trae Young see any minutes this year?

It looks like another red shirt year. Ramos and Snelling came ready to play, and Young has more filling out to do.

[false9]

DeSean Hawkins has drastically improved these last few seasons. After having an exciting preseason, he surely hopes to have that continue into the regular season. What sort of numbers do you anticipate him putting up heading forward?

I wouldn't expect a whole lot more than last season- if he crosses the 20 point mark that'd be nice.

[Soundwave]

If you had to pick one, what is the most important single attribute or skill of any lone player on your team?

[false9]

If you had to pick one, what is the most important single attribute or skill of any lone player on your team?

We're a fast team and we'll try to push the tempo accordingly.

Edit- misread this earlier. For the moment, it appears to be Ramos and his passing.

[Darth Vegito]

So I heard you were given a "shoutout" in the most recent H&F pod for your build theory. There have been a handful of teams that have gotten top 3-5 picks for like 5 years straight now. Do you see this as a problem and do you think it has a chance of being harmful to the league?

[false9]

So I heard you were given a "shoutout" in the most recent H&F pod for your build theory. There have been a handful of teams that have gotten top 3-5 picks for like 5 years straight now. Do you see this as a problem and do you think it has a chance of being harmful to the league?

I echo the thoughts from the pod- I'm just fulfilling a market. The only harmful thing harmful to the league is unpaid tax bills

[Darth Vegito]

So I heard you were given a "shoutout" in the most recent H&F pod for your build theory. There have been a handful of teams that have gotten top 3-5 picks for like 5 years straight now. Do you see this as a problem and do you think it has a chance of being harmful to the league?

I echo the thoughts from the pod- I'm just fulfilling a market. The only harmful thing harmful to the league is unpaid tax bills

[ballsohard]

What’s your user handle mean?


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[false9]

What’s your user handle mean?


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When the striker drops into midfield. Or, watch this 15 minute video.

https://youtu.be/JPeI419Qd0g