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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 26: All is new again

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Gordon #00 Elfrid Payton #2 and Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Gordon #00 Elfrid Payton #2 and Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Arron Afflalo, Sacramento Kings
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 15: Arron Afflalo #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 15, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

So this question flows naturally from the last question. How are the Magic going to construct their wing rotation?

There is definitely a solid group of players to fill those roles — Evan Fournier, Terrence Ross, Arron Afflalo, Jonathon Simmons, Mario Hezonja and Wesley Iwundu. Undoubtedly there are going to be a few players who are squeezed out and not going to get their playing time.

I described in the previous question where I think the starting lineup is going to go. Fournier and  Ross are my picks to start at the wing, for now. Simmons is knocking on the door but still has to gain my trust as a player before I insert him in there.

I envision Simmons as more of the team’s sixth man this year. He can play either wing position. And he has never done more than play kind of rotation-based minutes. So I am a bit more conservative with my projections for him this year. This, of course, can change dramatically once the season gets started.

That likely means the Magic will have just one more position to fill. And this will be one of the big training camp battles to watch this year throughout the preseason.

I would imagine Arron Afflalo and Mario Hezonja are battling for that last spot. Afflalo provides consistency and veteran leadership. I would imagine coach Frank Vogel is leaning toward him receiving whatever minutes are left. Hezonja still has a talent advantage. If he can click things into place, he certainly should push for minutes.

This battle will come down to production and who wins the battle in camp. The Magic are trying to win, after all.

Hezonja is still recovering from the injury that slowed him down all year last season. He said he is still working on regaining strength in his leg and feeling more and more comfortable. That puts him a bit behind in camp. I suspect, Afflalo will start the year as the backup small forward.

But Hezonja will be there. And if he can continue to get an opportunity in practice and continue to work and get healthy, he could crack the rotation. His job this year in camp is to be part of that competition — and ultimately win it by the end of the season.

For now, I still lean toward Afflalo. But Hezonja is definitely in the mix.