Orlando Magic new backcourt depth will increase wins
A rotation of strength
Now the Magic have a proven head coach, and there is a strong core that is only getting better. Orlando is also favorably positioned to retain its talent when the contract extensions are called for.
And that is the primary thing to realize about this group: It is not just a good starting backcourt, it is a really good rotation of guards, all of whom can be a part of this team for a long while.
That could not be said about temporary bandages like Green, Ben Gordon and Ridnour.
A lot of teams could benefit from the pieces Orlando has in its backcourt considering its potential, and with C.J. Watson providing further flexibility and being a proven combination guard, the Magic will have chances to counter with a lot of different looks this year.
It is not inconceivable the Magic will run two point-guard sets with Payton and Watson on simultaneously, or at other times, go big with Oladipo, Hezonja and Harris at the 1-2-3 spots.
What was done so well against Chicago and Houston last year can be emulated in the Scott Skiles era: Orlando can take over games by pressing other teams hard defensively.
The team was at its best playing fast paced basketball predicated upon forcing turnovers, founded on suffocating backcourt defense.
Forcing turnovers is one of the most highlighted “keys to victory,” cliche as that may be, and the Magic did it against Chicago by making use of Fournier off the bench and allowing Payton to overplay in the hopes of forcing miscues.
With the defense, shooting and playmaking coming together for this backcourt, the Magic may be the surprise of the East and a team fathoms deeper than last year’s woeful second unit. There has been a changing of the guard.