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Orlando Magic Daily Podcast Episode 74: To the depths of the offseason with Zach Palmer

By Philip Rossman-Reich

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a lay up against the Golden State Warriors on March 11, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a lay up against the Golden State Warriors on March 11, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The NBA offseason is hitting its dormant season. The Orlando Magic did some work, adding depth to their team. We break it all down in today’s podcast.

The Orlando Magic’s offseason turned into a surprisingly busy one.

The team did not have a ton of cap room and new management professed they would take a patient approach to the offseason. They were not going to be able to spend a lot even as they needed to make improvements to their 29-win team.

The focus then turned to the bench. And there the Magic indeed did some work.

Orlando signed Jonathon Simmons on a bargain deal (three years, $18 million), added solid veteran contributors in Shelvin Mack, Arron Afflalo and Marreese Speights and drafted a promising rookie in Jonathan Isaac. In all, it helped the Magic create a lot more internal competition — many believe Jonathon Simmons can challenge for a starter’s spot and Jonathan Isaac will one day ascend into the lineup too — and add quality role players to the bench.

In previous years, it seemed like the Magic had some depth and talent. It felt like they could go 10 deep. But that always seemed to wash away. Last year, Orlando added veterans to mix in with young players off the bench. And everyone seemed to underperform.

That risk remains with this Magic team. There is always the chance players decline or struggle in new situations.

But, at the same time, it still feels like the team’s depth is real this time. These players know their roles and what they are capable of. And there are hungry young players behind them who can push for minutes too — players like Mario Hezonja, Wesley Iwundu and Khem Birch.

It is definitely a different dynamic for the team. If the Magic are going to find success this year, they at least had to improve their bench.

What that means for the ever-important long-term future of the team is still up in the air. The Magic did not tie up any long-term money — Simmons signed a three year deal with the third year nonguaranteed. But they also tried to establish a culture. That being based on length, athleticism and defense.

Slowly, but surely, the Magic will begin remaking the team to fit that identity. That may come in the months and years ahead.

For this season, the team is focusing on seeing what it has with the team Jeff Weltman built. And it does seem like the team addressed the depth issues that plagued it all last season.

With the offseason winding down, it was time to discuss what happened with the Magic and what it means for the upcoming season. I am joined on the Orlando Magic Daily Podcast by Orlando Magic Daily contributor Zach Palmer as we discuss the team’s offseason moves, added depth and the new Eastern Conference landscape.

On This Episode:

  • How bad was the Orlando Magic’s bench last season and what difference will the new bench make?
  • What was behind the Orlando Magic’s decision to go with veterans on the bench rather than young players?
  • How important will tempo be for the Orlando Magic this season?
  • What does the Eastern Conference look like and what will it take to make the Playoffs?
  • What are the Orlando Magic getting from Jonathon Simmons?
  • Can Jonathon Simmons challenge for the starting lineup?
  • What can the Orlando Magic expect from Jonathan Isaac this year?
  • What is the identity the Orlando Magic are trying to build?
  • Where does Aaron Gordon fit into the Orlando Magic’s future plans?
  • Where do Mario Hezonja and the other deep bench players fit in?
  • What is the next step for the Orlando Magic?
  • Who might be on the move next for the Orlando Magic?
  • How the Orlando Magic can balance patience with competitiveness

Be sure to follow Zach Palmer on Twitter @FmrTankCommandr.

Next: Arron Afflalo's Instagram is a love letter to Orlando

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