Orlando Magic begin to answer questions about roles

Who starts at center?

This might be the biggest question mark heading into training camp. Who will start at center.

This has been the question driving Magic fans crazy ever since they signed Bismack Biyombo to a four-year, $68-million deal. It is tough to see the team leaving $17 million per season on the bench. Then again, Vucevic is a constant and consistent producer on the offensive end.

There are a lot of competing interests here.

Money vs. longevity. Consistency vs. potential. Offensive acumen vs. defensive rim protection.

Deciding between Biyombo and Vucevic is as much about identity as it is about what the team needs. It is still unclear what direction the team will go. The Magic have a difficult decision.

“We’ve got two starting centers now,” Vogel said. “We’ll see how it plays out and what the rotation looks like. More importantly to me, not only do we have two starting centers but two centers I feel good closing games with. A lot of versatility with our rotation. The center position is going to be solidified for sure.”

The Magic indeed do have multiple options. Options are good, but they also allow for plenty of speculation and debate.

Likely Vucevic still has a place. The Magic will need his offense. And they owe it to him to see if the pairing with him and Ibaka can work. The Biyombo-Ibaka-Gordon front line is not likely to generate a ton of offense. Especially if Elfrid Payton is starting at point guard.

The Magic though, again, have options.

That is the power of depth. And all these questions facing the Magic’s roster have a lot to do with depth than anything else. The Magic can look to multiple different combinations with plenty of potential to work with this season.

Next: FiveThirtyEight: Magic Projections

The roster has come together and these big questions will be something to watch for when training camp begins.