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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Vol. 25: What comes next?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 11: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Dallas Mavericks on February 11, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 11: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Dallas Mavericks on February 11, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathon Simmons, Miami heat, San Antonio Spurs
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 30: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during a game against the Miami Heat on October 30, 2016 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Yes. I absolutely love what the Magic did this offseason. In fact, I am still surprised they were able to do so much.

Simmons is a perfect example of everything that went right with the Magic this offseason.

First, Orlando needed to begin establishing a bit of an identity and find a player type that would define the kind of team Jeff Weltman wanted to build. Simmons is that guy. He is a hard-nosed defender with a chip on his shoulder. He can push teammates further with his relentless effort.

With Simmons, Isaac and Gordon, a clear identity is emerging and a player type exists. It is a good direction for the team overall — even though those three players all struggle to shoot.

Second, Orlando did not tie itself up with much long-term money. Simmons is on a three-year deal with the third year non-guaranteed. Shelvin Mack is on a two-year deal with the second year non-guaranteed. And Afflalo and Speights both signed on minimum deals. Those are all incredible values and keeps flexibility for the Magic to improve moving forward.

Which brings me to the final point. The Magic were extremely patient and got rewarded for it. They knew they did not have a lot of cash to spend in free agency. And they likely knew they were OK going into the season with the same basic starting lineup. So they were able to wait and get bargains.

Simmons on a three-year, $18-million is an absolute steal. I thought he would get $10 million per year easily. His restricted free agency scared off a lot of suitors and he was let go when the market had dried up.

Afflalo and Speights on minimum deals are huge boosts to a team that needs the experience they give.

Orlando may not be a Playoff team yet. But I love what the team did this summer. I think the moves they made set the Magic up for the long term and help the team achieve its long-term goals.

Next: Jeff Weltman's first summer with the Orlando Magic shows a bright future

Thanks everyone for the questions. You can always drop us a line on Twitter @omagicdaily and by e-mail at omagicdaily@gmail.com. You can also check us out on Facebook at Orlando Magic Daily. Until next time…