Why Orlando Does This:
Orlando are the best defence in the league, but the second worst offence. Now I know that is partially due to the loss of a huge offensive punch in Paolo, however. Even when Paolo was playing, they still are not a good offence. They need a guy who just gets his buckets
That is what they get to a key in Ingram. They also would start this new identity of being a very big team that can pass well across the board. Their 3pt scoring is quite poor as well, this fixes that as we know BI is a great 3 pt shooter.
Additionaly this can bring out the best of Franz Wagner, who is hooping this year. Turn him into more of a cutter and driver looking for kickouts or to create his own shot in the lane, and less of a 3pt shooter.
BI who is an average defender at best, would also really thrive on a team where that can be hidden.
Why NOLA Does This:
Brandon Ingram doesn't fit on this Pelicans team. I know they caught the injury bug, but even in the short sample size when he was playing with Zion, it was bad for both of their games. BI is an expiring contract, and they shouldn't resign him. They have this guy who is really talented so you have to give him a large share of the offence, but it doesn't match this teams style at all
The BI and Zion pick and roll was disgusting as Zion is always going to roll to the basket, and with the driving lane being clogged up, BI has to either make an errant pass, or take a bad contested pull up.
This also solves the Pelicans biggest issue IMO. The lack of a center they can trust. Missi is cool, but he should be a backup for a few years, they can put a team that looks to be in the playoffs hopes on a rookie center. Thats why Dallas traded for Gafford, and we see how well thats working
Overall this has NOLA really happy, and when healthy, I think they are a scary team to watch out for coming outta the Play-In when hopefully their guys are back
Why Toronto Does This:
Toronto has this guy with incredible value, but they just suck. They are in a rebuild, and for good reason. Jakob is one of the guys on this team that they should sell for rebuilding assets and here they do just that
In this trade they get a fantastic return in my eyes. They get a younger center that they can still develop, a first this year, and a guy who's really talented in Cole Anthony, he just doesn't play.
This would be a classic Masai package, and i'm all for it as they are pushing for Flagg.
Magic (healthy) Rotation:
Jalen Suggs - Brandon Ingram - Franz Wagner - Paolo Banchero - Wendell Carter
Bench:
Anthony Black - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Tristan Da Silva - Jonathan Isaac - Mo Wagner
Reserves:
Mac McClung - Corey Joseph - Caleb Houstan - Jett Howard - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Pelicans (healthy) Rotation:
Dejounte Murray - CJ McCollum - Herb Jones - Zion Williamson - Jakob Poeltl
Bench:
Jose Alvarado - Jordan Hawkins - Garry Harris - Trey Murphy - Yves Missi
Reserves:
Jaylen Nowell - Antonio Reaves - Javonte Green - Karlo Matkovic - Daniel Theis
Raptors Rotation:
Davion Mithcell - Gradey Dick - Ocahi Agbaji - RJ Barrett - Goga Bitadze
Bench:
Jamal Shead - Cole Anthony - Jamison Battle - Jonathan Mogbo - Chris Boucher
Reserves:
DJ Carton - Garrett Temple - Quincy Guerrier - Ulrich Chomche - Bruno Fernando
IL:
Immanuel Quickley, Bruce Brown, Jakobe Walter, Scottie Barnes, Kelly Olynyk
Please comment your thoughts & feedback!