We caught up with GM WillyJakkz to speak about the Orlando Magic and the disarray the team is in.
After some somewhat successful years many many many moons ago, the Magic have yet to have any substantial success in nearly a decade or more (been so long I can't remember).
WillyJakkz has this to say.
"Anyone here, players and coaches included that does not, and I repeat DOES NOT have a
but has a 
or 
can get the f*ck off the team. I repeat they can get the f*ck off the team.There won't be any pandering or appeasing players. We made deals entrusting players to take the reins and lead us to WINS and they've or he's sulked and moaned the entire time here and we just can't have that. Won't have that.
We have some moves lined up whether they work out or not isn't important but what is important is the development of the guys who want to be here. And if those moves come to fruition and guys are happy, that is completely fine as that's what this whole thing is about and if they get angry afterwards they're gone, too.
And for the ones who don't like it and deals aren't found they'll just be here until their contract is fulfilled and can move on.
No matching no S&T, they can settle for one less year from another team if it's about the cash.
Jakkz out!"
11.4.2032 Josh Giddey Trade
Orlando gladly welcomes its new PG!
PG Josh Giddey
After what's seemed like an era of unhappiness in Orlando expressed by the talented and now traded LaMelo Ball, the Magic now usher in a new era. Enter: Josh Giddey!
WillyJakkz: Our hope is that Giddey who's a former #2 overall Draft Pick can come in and show us, our fans, and the basketball world his talent. Similar to how Steve Nash was playing behind Jason Kidd and Kevin Johnson in his early yrs in Phoenix, once he went to Dallas and teamed up with Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley we were REALLY able to get a look at just how great of a player he could be.
With Lauri Markkannen, Anthony Edwards, and Josh Giddey that's what our hope is.
Our fans deserve better than what they've witnessed and had to deal with when LaMelo was here and we wish him well. It just wasn't a good fit.
Rumor is the father of LaMelo Ball, LaVar Ball was very upset as he felt a deal was in place for LaMelo to shine in NY but ultimately that plan fell thru.Josh Giddey: I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity to showcase myself and prove any doubters wrong. Orlando is giving me that chance to be more of what I feel I can become.
LaMelo will now helm the Hawks offense and it will definitely be tough seeing him in the division now as an opponent.
A rumor by Magic Insider Magic Man X posted on X stating, "I think LaMelo to NY was a smokescreen and that Orlando may be going after Luka Doncic with Giddey, Williams, and a bunch of 1sts. Don't hold me to it ijs...".
We don't know how much validity it has but will surely take a look.
RETIREMENT? Also on a more important note there has been some chatter with someone VERY CLOSE to GM WillyJakkz who is saying they feel he may take a break for personal reasons.
They also stated perhaps he is getting tired and worn down by the Magic GM position and this as well as some of the other moves are setting up the Magic for the future for a new GM, hence the draft capital and assets he's been able to obtain thus far.
As far as we know he is still here in the Front Office and perhaps this trade is the move that keeps him engaged and invigorated?
We'll see but in the meantime there's more moves to make!
Go Magic!
11.15.2032 Steve Nash Press Conference
He's actually 100% turning into Steve Nash.
Steve Nash:
I think it was an accurate comparison to myself and we absolutely LOVE what we're seeing from Josh. I mean in just his first game here he posted a triple double while breaking the All Time single game assist record for Orlando with 22 held by the other guy (LaMelo w/ 20). In his 3 games here we've been extremely competitive and he's put up 22, 18, and 19asts in those games. Safe to say we feel very good about where we are as a team with possible slight improvements to be made.
12.16.2032 De'Andre Hunter Trade
Orlando trades for De'Andre Hunter!
In a trade which involved SG Desmond Bane, filler, and the Golden State Warriors '34 1st Rd Pick , the Orlando Magic bring in a versatile and defensively elite F in De'Andre Hunter .
Looking to capitalize on the continued astounding play of Josh Giddey, Orlando brings in a guy who can be the missing piece to a team that is hoping to make a push for a Play In appearance.
De'Andre Hunter:
We're definitely in a tough spot right now being so far back behind the other teams fighting for that 10th spot but we feel we've got a shot. I love the camaraderie and they welcomed me from the moment I got here. I'll do what it takes to fit into the system to win.
12.20.2032 3 Team Trade
Orlando trades F Luka Samanic who was progressing into a fanatic favorite with his outside shooting and the Hawks '33 1st Rd Pick in a 3 team trade with Utah and Los Angeles Lakers (which saw them pass on G Amir Coffey who was sent from LA to Utah) to get the Chicago Bulls '35 1st Rd Pick as well as the return of former Magic player "The Kansas Kid" PG DeVonte Graham.
In reference to the trade GM WillyJakkz stated:
Stockton (Utah's GM) is probably the only gm I made aware that I was looking to likely trade a pick or completely out of the '33 draft so when the opportunity to move at least the Hawks pick presented itself when the Lakers reached out showing interest in a '33 1st this move then was pretty much a no brainer.
Although there were other inquiries and outreach made to other teams that certainly could use Coffey we're just looking to get an equal valued 1st in return. We move Coffey to Utah as I have my young guys to invest into as is and also having just gotten De'Andre Hunter it didn't necessarily behoove me to keep Coffey.
Hopefully we can continue to set us up for the future with this as well as the other moves we've made earlier in the season.
12.30.2032 Injured
News came in today that PF Lauri Markkannen will be OUT the next 8 days.
PF Lauri Markkannen
Markkannen, who was injured in the waning moments of a 130-127 OT Loss to the Spurs immediately went to the lockerroom. An MRI revealed a twisted ankle the following day.
In the loss Markkannen put up 26pts and grabbed 4rebs while averaging 23pts and 10rebs on the season.
He will be out for a crucial run as Orlando has upcoming games vs CHI, PHI, MIN, SAC, DEN, POR, and MIA. A "murderers row" if you will of powerhouse teams where Orlando is trying to gain ground on Eastern Conference Play In contenders.
"It's gonna be tough for sure whether Lauri was here or not but [De'Andre] Hunter will have to step in and hopefully we can keep pace", said Magic Head Coach Steve Nash.
1.4.33 Point Goddey
"Magic" Giddey, Josh Westbrook, Josh "Kidd"ey, and "Triple Giddey" are some of the nicknames being thrown around at him due to his current League leading 6 triple doubles.
And now chants of "MVP" have started to emerge during the Magic home games whenever Josh Giddey steps to the free throw line, and for good reason.
Over the past 5 games in which the Magic have gone 3-2 vs the likes of Boston, Detroit, San Antonio, Chicago, and Philadelphia, Josh Giddey has averaged 19.4pts 15.0asts and 11.0rebs.
His jersey has been selling out and has quickly replaced the LaMelo Ball jerseys fans once donned at home games. Analyst projections have him entering the Top 10 in jersey sells in the entire CSL by the end of the season.
Orlando looks to be on the rise and should Giddey continue to produce at this level he very well could become an "MVP"!
Josh Giddey:
It's basically been about the organization trusting me and me coming in here and playing within the system that's been set up for us and I just think I've been able to capitalize on the situation.
Also a lot of it has just been me listening to the staff, to my teammates, and us going out there and making it happen together. Lauri's a helluva player, Ant's a helluva player, and Walker has really been getting more comfortable on the offensive side and we already know what he brings defensively to the team.
The whole group has been playing well, all of the guys.
Coach Nash has guided me and is showing me what he needs for me to do in our scheme and I've just been fortunate to absorb his knowledge.
2020, 2023, 2027, 2035
I'll stick with your GMOTY take 
