Coming off their best season in a decade, the Magic are a uniquely massive team because Paolo Banchero’s nimble, dextrous play means they don’t have to sacrifice size for skill. But by asking Banchero to be their main creator, the Magic are doing him a disservice.
The presence of Jarrett Allen forces Evan Mobley to transform from a uniquely gifted center into a limited, underskilled forward. At this point, Mobley can’t just be a blob of limitless potential.
Miami’s hopes are inexplicably tied to Jimmy Butler. But at this point, believing that Butler can summon his Playoff Jimmy alter ego is an expression of faith.
Both rich with gravitas and light-hearted as can be, we will be lucky if the sport ever gives us another man so magnanimous and admirable as Dikembe Mutombo.