A key component to the Orlando Magic’s plan to make the playoffs is the added depth at every position. Could this be the best bench in team history?
The Orlando Magic’s short history has seen a number of star players pass through the starting lineup. There have also been a handful of elite starting fives put together to lead this franchise at various points.
The most unsung contributor of any team are the reserves.
The Orlando Magic have brought in a number of veterans to contribute off the bench and bring stability to the lineup this year. Some may say this could be the best bench the Magic have ever put together.
With D.J. Augustin and C.J. Watson backing up Elfrid Payton, they counter what Elfrid Payton brings in the starting role. Both D.J. Augustin and C.J. Watson are better shooters than Elfrid Payton and have more experience.
Mario Hezonja, Jodie Meeks and C.J. Wilcox, all of which are great shooters, backup Evan Fournier. The ability to hit shots from deep will not fall off if any of these guys enter the game.
Veteran Jeff Green backs up Aaron Gordon at starting small forward. The two possess similar skill sets.
The power forward position is where things start to get creative. Serge Ibaka will hold the starting job, but his substitutes will be players who play other positions. First in line is Aaron Gordon followed by Jeff Green and then most likely Nikola Vucevic.
At starting center will be Nikola Vucevic, whom Bismack Biyombo will back up.
As you can see, the stability and veterans in the second unit are pretty good, to say the least. The depth that the Magic have acquired will definitely be a key to the teams success this year.
Now let’s takes a look back to previous teams to find what reserve unit can compete with or top this one.