Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Expectations and Excitement

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 3: The Orlando Magic mascot waves the team flag before the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 3, 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 - FEBRUARY 3: The Orlando Magic mascot waves the team flag before the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 3, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, LA Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the LA Clippers on January 11, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What is the biggest key to success for the Orlando Magic this season? What is a success for the Orlando Magic this season?

Ricky Scricca (@scricca1): I think the biggest key is how coach Frank Vogel manages his rotations. The Orlando Magic should try to win this year if they want to start repairing their national reputation, and that will require him to figure out lineups that can defend and still have some modicum of shooting and playmaking. This is also a “season for evaluation” as much as anything, so he should try to get creative at times so the organization can see the full range of possibilities with Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Elfrid Payton. Different combinations with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac will be important to watch.

Zach Palmer (@FmrTankCommandr): I believe the key to this season for the Magic is defense. Listen, it is tough to expect the Magic to score in the halfcourt without the requisite weapons to do so. So how does Orlando score? By playing outstanding defense and scoring in transition. It is clear the Magic want to play with a blistering pace and it is also clear they have some great transition players. Now it is just up to Orlando’s defense to create as many transition opportunities as possible.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Philip Rossman-Reich (@philiprr_omd): The biggest key to success for this Magic team is their pace. They have to be able to push the pace and get out in transition to have success. That is what their offensive style is built for. And with their lack of shooting and strong individual scoring, that is how they will have to score. This will inevitably mean the Magic are good defensively, or at least pesky enough to create turnovers. We saw the Magic were able to get out in transition even after makes. They will force the tempo and force defenses to stay attentive early in the shot clock. That is something. Success to me is forming this identity and at least having that distinct style teams have to worry about.

Drew Miller (@Drewmill_): While the Magic need better rotations, an improved defense and better tempo, the biggest key, in my opinion, is the development of the team’s half-court offense and 3-point shooting. The Magic ranked almost dead last in offensive efficiency last year, coming in at 29th in the league. Only a few teams (the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder) were able to make the playoffs last year while ranking in the bottom half in offensive efficiency. The Magic’s offense often stalls in the half court, a direct result from a lack of 3-point threats and poor ball movement. Aaron Gordon’s development from the outside is crucial. Signs are positive so far, as in preseason Gordon shot 9 for 21 from three. The Magic must adapt to the modern NBA — a NBA where the best teams move the ball and are efficient from three.