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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Jan 4, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) defends Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the second half of the game at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) defends Orlando Magic shooting guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the second half of the game at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports /

The power of depth

A formidable offensive bench?

That is the last thing it would be called last season, but the Magic will count on a healthy Fournier and rookie Hezonja to add scoring punch and offensive balance while Scott Skiles rests the first team.

And rest, how nice will that be?

The Magic have the horses in the backcourt to put pressure on teams for 48 minutes now — and Victor Oladipo will likely still continue to see about his 35 per game. He may see it drop to 33 or 34, but he is really the star guard due to his two-way play. He needs to see three-full quarters of action.

But having options off the bench should something go awry is a comfort and a luxury.

Oladipo was initially billed as a defender coming out of Indiana, but he has shown so much offensive improvement he could be the guy to close out games. It is likely between he and Tobias Harris, and both will have fresher legs with Fournier and Hezonja able to provide boosts behind them. Or alongside them. The versatility Skiles will find himself with may leave him giddy.

It is unclear how both Tyler Harvey and Keith Appling, respectively, factor into the picture. Both offer scoring abilities that could be useful even at the NBA level. The reality that both may find themselves in Erie playing for the Bayhawks is pretty real, though.

Next: Still about Elfrid Payton