MAGIC

Orlando Magic: Three reasons to watch

Michael Singer
USA TODAY
Serge Ibaka of the Orlando Magic.

With the 2016-17 NBA season on the horizon, USA TODAY Sports highlights the top three reasons to watch all 30 teams. We also recap any significant moves made in the offseason and project how your favorite team will finish.

Watchability ranking: 24th

What’s different?: It always seemed like Frank Vogel was underappreciated as head coach in Indiana before the Pacers fizzled. The Magic swooped in on one of the best coaches available and presented him with a stable of core players and the chance to build an enticing foundation. But on draft night, Victor Oladipo was sent to Oklahoma City for Serge Ibaka, a risky move considering the latter is a free agent at the end of the season. Center-forward Bismack Biyombo signed weeks later.

Logjam in the frontcourt: Credit Biyombo for leveraging an outstanding postseason with the Toronto Raptors (think Steven Adams of the East) into a $72 million payday. But can he play with Ibaka? How about Nikola Vucevic, the Magic’s rising star at center? And where does that leave forward Aaron Gordon?

Frank Vogel, Bismack Biyombo, Nikola Vucevic and Serge Ibaka pose for a photo during media day.

Veteran influx: One of the primary reasons the Magic flopped last season was their youthful inconsistency, which led to two losing streaks of six games or more. Biyombo and Ibaka help, but Orlando also added veteran forward Jeff Green to the mix after he bounced around with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Memphis Grizzlies last year. That trio should have their hands full forging an on-court relationship with guard Elfrid Payton (22) and guard-forwards Evan Fournier (23) and Mario Hezonja (21).

Playoffs or bust: That’s what they’re saying in Orlando, and it’s not unreasonable. Vogel already said he’ll try to utilize Gordon in the same manner he used Paul George, but that’s asking a lot of offensive progress from Gordon. The league is getting smaller and faster, while the Magic are getting longer and stronger.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

(Statistics from 2015-16 season)

  • Elfrid Payton - Points: 10.7, assists: 6.4, rebounds: 3.6, steals: 1.2, field goal percentage: 43.6%
  • Evan Fournier - Points: 15.4, rebounds: 2.8, assists: 2.7, steals: 1.2, field goal percentage: 46.2%
  • Aaron Gordon - Points: 9.2, rebounds: 6.5, assists: 1.6, steals: 0.8, field goal percentage: 47.3%
  • Serge Ibaka (with Oklahoma City) - Points: 12.6, rebounds: 6.8, assists: 0.8, blocks: 1.9, field goal percentage: 47.9%
  • Nikola Vucevic - Points: 18.2, rebounds: 8.9, assists: 2.8, blocks: 1.1, field goal percentage: 51.0%

How good can they be? The Magic won 35 games last year, and though they traded Oladipo, their overall talent level improved. But it’s going to take time for this team to find its identity.

USA TODAY’s projection: 35-47

Follow Michael Singer on Twitter @MSinger