2017 Orlando Magic Preview: Eye on the Playoffs

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Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) makes a layup against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

The Magic are going to have trouble scoring. They already had trouble scoring for much of the past four years. And they traded away two of their top scorers in the last year and replaced them with offensively challenged defensive-minded players.

While the Magic added more shooting in Jodie Meeks, D.J. Augustin and C.J. Wilcox, the starting lineup is almost completely bereft of 3-point shooting. Evan Fournier is the only player defenses will not completely ignore behind the 3-point line.

That seemingly goes double with the Magic trying to get more out of Serge Ibaka and not have him simply be a spot-up shooter like he sometimes was in Oklahoma City.

Elfrid Payton is virtually ignored on the perimeter and is the rare point guard teams intentionally foul to send to the foul line. Gordon shoots worse than 30 percent from beyond the arc in his short career.

Orlando does not have a dynamic scorer — no 20 point per game night scorer or All Star. Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic will be taking on a larger offensive role than they have before.

And that will probably still not be enough.

The Magic are banking on their defense to feed their offense and keep scores low for sure. Or at least for Payton and Gordon to develop a stronger offensive game.