Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic new backcourt depth will increase wins

By Brett David Roberts

Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) dribbles the ball up court against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) dribbles the ball up court against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives the ball during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives the ball during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The Magic are a team that can be built around the defensive strengths of its backcourt, and the team’s overall depth at the guard spots may be its biggest advantage next season.

The Orlando Magic are fortunate enough to have two premier talents at guard in first team All-Rookie selections of the past two years Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton. Both have shown enough in their brief NBA careers to paint the path of a backcourt that could be one of the best young tandems in the Eastern Conference far sooner than last year’s 25-win season would ever indicate.

But it is the depth that may prove most essential this season. The Magic’s second unit guards are what could be the most notable improvement from last year’s team.

While journeyman Willie Green certainly had his moments of providing strong veteran leadership, the Magic made major upgrades in adding both Shabazz Napier and C.J. Watson to steady the ship behind the young Elfrid Payton.

Next: Options at point guard and beyond