Orlando Magic 2026-2027 Preseason Presser

[false9]

Hello, friends. We're back again for our usual pre-season chat.

Last season was a bit of a mixed bag. We won 62 games and the Southeast Division. Going into the first round, I knew it would be a tough matchup against one of the great GMs in BSH with a healthy Ben Simmons and a quality team. Despite his growing addiction to Football Manager 2019, BSH handled us easily. As Mavs GM LetsPlayHorse put it, we were smoked out of the first round in 5 games.

As the sim doldrums crept in during the playoff downtime, it felt like things had gotten stale with this group. We shipped off Bismack Biyombo for points. When Chad came in offering Buddy Pedraza and pick 3 for Andrew Wiggins, it was a deal too good to pass up. We selected Bronny James and are excited to have him man the wing spots off the bench. In free agency, we brought in star guard Desean Hawkins, perimeter stopper Ezra Ransdell, and a surplus of power forwards. We'll probably be looking to sell off one of these forwards, so they can get the playing time they deserve.

(and we're totally willing to pay you to take Buddy Pedraza. I'm looking at you, team with cap space).

I think this is a pretty good group- this is the deepest team I can remember having 1-10. We have some guys who can really bang inside, and I'm expecting a deep playoff run from them. But it's a long season, so we'll have to see how things play out; I'm just hoping to be lifted from the sim doldrums.

Questions?

[NickMalone77]

While most will see you as the class of your division, Do you think this team is deep enough and better equipped this season when dealing with the likes of the 76ers and AD's of the Eastern Conference? Do you think Bronny James will be able to contribute right away among a crowded field all fighting for minutes on the wing?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Without Andrew Wiggins as the clear first option, where do offensive duties lie on this team?

[false9]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Without Andrew Wiggins as the clear first option, where do offensive duties lie on this team?

Expect a healthy dose of Boban- we're hoping the preseason is a sign of things to come.

[false9]

While most will see you as the class of your division, Do you think this team is deep enough and better equipped this season when dealing with the likes of the 76ers and AD's of the Eastern Conference? Do you think Bronny James will be able to contribute right away among a crowded field all fighting for minutes on the wing?

Moving Wiggins makes things a bit tougher- he continues to be a true stud. But Boban had a great TC and Hawkins should be a plus at SG. I expect to be top 4 in the East if things go well, but the playoffs are a crapshoot.

Bronny will get playing time off the bench, but he’s behind the pecking order of Hawkins and Josh Jackson. We’re hoping he’s one for the future.

[Eazy P]

Do you see your Boban/Jackson led Magic team making the post season and out of the first round this year?

[JNR]

GWR: Is Bronny committed to being better than his dad?

[false9]

Do you see your Boban/Jackson led Magic team making the post season and out of the first round this year?

I have every expectation to make the playoffs. How far we go is another matter- a wise man once aptly put it as being a different animal. It’s all about the matchup, and with this game I wouldn’t be surprised if we got swept out of the first round or if we made it to the finals.

[false9]

GWR: Is Bronny committed to being better than his dad?

He’s his own man, and he’s going to be the best Bronny James he can be. I we get a hall of Famer out of it, we’d obviously be happy.

(That’s right, I said hall of Famer. Don’t let your real life feelings sway your vote on sim Lebron, people)

[WigNosy]

Is this Boban or Josh Jackson's team?

[false9]

Is this Boban or Josh Jackson's team?

Boban is the rising tide that lifts our ship.

[Soundwave]

Ranch or Blue cheese dip with buffalo wings?