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2018 Orlando Magic Outlook: A reset? A step forward? A season of uncertainty

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots a lay up against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 27, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shoots a lay up against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 27, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kalin Lucas, Erie Bayhawks, Denzel Valentine, Windy City Bulls
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – JANUARY 28: Kalin Lucas #14 of the Erie BayHawks drives to the basket against the Windy City Bulls on January 28, 2017 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 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 John L. Alexander/NBAE via Getty Images) /

On The Fringe

The Orlando Magic seemed like they would be a good team to take a chance on some young players. After all, this is a group that was scrounging at the bottom of the standings last year. Those are the teams likely to take a chance on young players and hope to hit on one. Or, at least, use them to sink to the bottom and get a higher draft pick.

The Magic are not that typical team, though. Orlando still has Playoff aspirations. The team’s decision to go after veterans — even on minimum contracts — is a sign of that. The Magic are not packing it in. They are still going after it.

It cost the Magic some promising young players. Marcus Georges-Hunt looked ready to contribute to the team in Summer League. But Orlando ate up his minutes by signing Jonathon Simmons and Arron Afflalo. They cut him and let him go to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Even the young guys they signed do not seem to have much a future on the team. Their two-way signee, Adreian Payne, is a bit more of a veteran and does not have a clear fit on the roster as currently constructed.

The Magic have some fringe guys, but it seems like they are just building depth for training camp and then looking to stock the Lakeland Magic rather than the main roster. The team has 14 guaranteed roster and not a lot of time for everyone to play.

Even Mario Hezonja will have a tough time finding minutes. The third-year guard struggled to get his shot right last year and the goodwill of getting drafted fifth overall has seemingly run out.

More from Analysis

Second round pick Wesley Iwundu looks likely to spend a lot of time on the bench or in the G-League with Lakeland. The veteran defensive-minded wing still has to improve his shot to make it in the league. But the Magic like his potential and length.

Free agent signee Khem Birch turned down a lot of money leaving Euroleague glory. But there is no guarantee he makes this roster — or finds time if he does. He is an athletic power forward who specializes on the defensive end. He fits the style the Magic are looking for. But his talent feels like it is what the Magic ultimately want to feature.

The final guys all seem like they are in camp to be bodies for camp more than players for the Magic. Troy Caupain and Kalin Lucas are likely to head to the G-League. And Damjan Rudez is not likely to make it past cut-down date.

Orlando went older with the team’s free agent signings. Its young guys in camp are there to develop, likely in Lakeland more than Orlando.

Mario Hezonja Outlook
Wesley Iwundu Outlook
Khem Birch Outlook
Adreian Payne Outlook
Troy Caupain Outlook
Kalin Lucas Outlook
Damjan Rudez Outlook