Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic players will dot Olympic teams

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Dallas 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Dallas 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic have several players who are beginning to think about and look ahead to Olympic Tournaments. Those will be big decisions for some.

After next Wednesday’s season finale against the Charlotte Hornets, the summer of questions will begin. The roster will certainly take a new shape before the next time everyone reconvenes in a Magic uniform.

The questions surrounding the roster also go to individual players as they plan their summer. And it comes at an odd time too.

It comes in an Olympic year.

Evan Fournier, Nikola Vucevic, Ersan Ilyasova, Mario Hezonja and (possibly) Victor Oladipo could all be preparing to play some meaningful games for their various national teams in preparation for the Olympics this August in Rio de Janeiro.

With individual games needing improvement, some contract situations needing resolution and even picking which national team to play for, it could be a busy and competitive summer for the Magic in international play. At least for the roster as it is currently constructed.

It all starts with Fournier, who played a critical role off the bench for France in last year’s Eurobasket tournament. Fournier averaged 6.8 points per game and had a big game in the finale, the bronze medal game for the tournament.

It was a disappointing finish to the tournament, played on France’s home court. They had big expectations for the tournament.

Failing to win the tournament though sent France to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament taking place in the Philippines from July 5-10.

That could pose a problem for Fournier. His first priority, he told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, is settling his contract future. He is not likely to play for the team during the Qualifying Tournament, but could play for France should they make the Olympics in August.

Andrew Nicholson is in the same boat too as Canada heads to that same tournament in the Philippines. Nicholson has played pretty diligently for Team Canada since arriving in the NBA and has put up some big numbers. But contract concerns and his career certainly should take some precedence.

Nicholson told Robbins he is not sure if he will play in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

It is more likely at this point that the only Magic player participating in the Olympics or its qualifying tournament is rookie Mario Hezonja.

Hezonja came off the bench, in much the same role he is playing now for the Magic, for Croatia during last year’s Eurobasket. Croatia qualified for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be played in Italy from July 4-9.

If Hezonja played in the qualifying tournament he would not be able to play for the Magic in Summer League. That is a decision Hezonja would have to make for himself.

Vucevic said he will play for Montenegro in a Eurobasket Qualifying Tournament this summer in late August, after the Olympics take place. Vucevic has had a somewhat rocky history with the Montenegrin national team for various reasons. But he still seems excited to play.

There is still also a small chance for Victor Oladipo to play for the Nigerian national team. Oladipo has taken part in USA mini camps in the past but has not yet made the roster and is not likely to get there.

If he has any intention of playing in a major international tournament, playing for Nigeria might be his best bet. Because his mother is from Nigeria he has eligibility to play for them.

Oladipo told Robbins he may look into it after the season. Nigeria has already qualified for the Olympics.

Ersan Ilyasova may also play for Turkey as they try to qualify for the Olympics in the Philippines qualifying tournament.

Those decisions do not have to be made until the end of the season. Playing for national teams carry some risk for injury, but playing meaningful games can also be valuable for players still in need of experience and seasoning. More competitive basketball is usually a good thing, especially for players who need more development and playing time.

Next: Inconsistent Orlando Magic trending up to end season

The players have some time to make these decisions. And there should be at least a few players of interest for the Magic playing in international competitions. We will have to wait and see what happens this summer.