Orlando Magic Daily
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5 questions that remain for Orlando Magic at preseason’s midpoint

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Jordan Mickey #25 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 8, 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 - OCTOBER 7: Jordan Mickey #25 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 8, 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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Jonathon Simmons, Jonathan Isaac, orlando Magic
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 2: Jonathon Simmons #17 talks with Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can the new guys get comfortable?

The storyline for the Orlando Magic throughout training camp has been the familiarity and continuity from the roster compared to last year. Coach Frank Vogel alongside several players said the team is far ahead of where it was last year. They all seem to credit how quickly they were able to pick things up because of the familiarity on the roster.

It is clear that this exists. The Magic’s current starting lineup has worked extremely well together. And it seems this is the group Vogel will start the year with (barring any injuries the rest of the way).

The fact that unit has worked is certainly a big reason why they seem so cemented as the starting group for now. But there is also a comfort in using them. Vogel and the Magic are still getting a feel for the new players.

So are the fans, for sure.

While Vogel seems set to rest starters and veterans for parts of the next two games, he is likely going to make sure Jonathon Simmons and Jonathan Isaac, especially, get their playing time. These two players more than anyone else will play a key role for this team. Fans will clamor, at some point, for each of them to start.

The reason Simmons, at least, probably is not in that equation is simple familiarity. Vogel is getting used to how to play him.

Simmons has not been short on highlight plays. He has made an impact through the first three preseason games. His defensive intensity and hustle are absolutely noticeable with that second unit. His 10.3 points per game 40.0 percent field goal percentage does not capture what he has done. But it has shown some of his limitations.

Simmons is trying to expand his game and he is attacking off the dribble a lot more than he did with the San Antonio Spurs. But he, like so many on this team, is not super efficient in the half court. Simmons is best out in transition where he can get at a defense in retreat.

For sure, Simmons has made a major impact on the defensive end. But the Magic are learning how to get more out of him. And, yes, that likely means they are also learning just how far his game can go.

The rest of this preseason the Magic have to find those boundaries and figure out the best way to employ them. Getting Simmons some run with the starters — which is likely to happen more this week — is paramount to see just how that unit works together.

The same could be said for Isaac.

Isaac is still clearly getting comfortable at the NBA level. He is averaging 10.0 points per game on 47.8 percent shooting. His offensive role has been a bit confined, but slowly he is expanding his game. That process will continue. And the Magic will want to continue to foster that confidence through the rest of the preseason.