Go Magic!
French Dip!
It was a basic and uneventful off-season for Orlando as trade talks simmered down throughout the hot summer days. And although Orlando had engaged in several talks, nothing materialized.
Well... There was one not so little off-season move in which Orlando sent LaMelo Ball and Leaky Black to Cleveland in exchange for Ben Simmons, Christian Braun, and the Cavaliers '38 1st.
The move was honestly no surprise as GM Willyjakkz stated he just couldn't fathom having LaMelo in Orlando after their 1st go around (being the team that drafted him and LaMelo jilting them by not resigning after his rookie contract was up).
"Even though we made the Playoffs it was still a hard pill to swallow as there was some definite tensions in the clubhouse", stated a team source.
Upon gauging their play at the 30 Day Trade Restriction mark, Willyjakkz went to work!
He sent organization favorites Paolo Banchero, Matas Buzelis, Dalton Knect, Kristaps Porzingis, and Theo Maledon along with a litany of picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and the New Orleans Pelicans which saw them get a return of Alex Sarr, Jaren Jackson Jr, Sidjane Salaun, and the Pelicans '36 & '38 1st Rd Picks.
FC Alex Sarr
When asked how it felt to have Alex Sarr joining the team, Victor Wembanyama was elated saying, "It's a dream come true having my guys from France join me on the team! Zaccharie and now Alex and Tidjane is like being at home. We're making our home here in Orlando! It's tough that Theo had to be moved but at least we all got to play one game together and start as a team. It was a childhood dream and now it's true!"
Wemby and Sarr have teamed up to become what looks like the most fearsome frontcourt duo the CSL has ever seen.
Add that to perennial DPoY candidate Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr and the Magic have quite the astounding frontcourt indeed!
F Tidjane Salaun
"The pleasant surprise has been Tidjane whose hustle and tenacity has been remarkable. It's been very hard to keep him off the court as he's earned his rotation minutes quite easily", said Head Coach Steve Nash.
Currently playing with a starting lineup of what Magic Nation has dubbed "Three's n Tree's", the Magic have managed to win 4 games in a row.
We'll see how long it continues as things begin to tighten up for Playoff positioning while nearing the mid point of the season.
Orlando may have some more "Magic" left in them to improve!
Go Magic!