Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Training Days

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MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 13, 2017 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. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

What is the biggest question the Magic have to answer in the preseason?

Scricca: How can Frank Vogel balance his rotations? This team has a lot of “one-way” players. Marreese Speights, Arron Afflalo, Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross are all decidedly offense-first players, while Aaron Gordon, Bismack Biyombo, Jonathan Isaac (at least for year one) and Jonathon Simmons are defense-first. There may be growing pains if Vogel cannot find a way to play lineups that have enough defense, shooting and scoring consistently. For a while, we may see some pretty rough lineups, but once there is a rhythm, this team could be fairly well-rounded.

Jumani: I have to agree with Ricky here. It remains to be seen how Frank Vogel manages his rotations. This team has depth this season, something they lacked last season. For instance, I believe starting Jonathon Simmons over Terrence Ross will be a better move for the Magic because Simmons is a better defender and Magic need scoring off the bench, which Ross is excellent at providing. But I am very curious to see who Vogel has on the floor come opening night.

Palmer: Are they any good? Most people will go ahead and tell you, “Oh, preseason does not matter.” Well, I disagree. Last season the Magic looked like an unbelievable train wreck in the preseason. It was surreal just how awful they looked. Somehow, the Magic managed to carry that over in the regular season and thus the disappointing 29-win season commenced.

Rossman-Reich: I think the biggest question the Magic have to answer is to find a lineup that creates a balance between offense and defense. We know Frank Vogel wants to build a defensive team and the Magic have to develop themselves defensively and commit to their defensive principles. But the problem is the team that would be best defensively would not have much of a chance offensively. The Magic are going to struggle offensively and it is tricky to find a lineup that can both score effectively and defend.