Orlando Magic Daily
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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) /
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D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 2: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball 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) /

What was your biggest surprise from the preseason for the Orlando Magic?

Scricca: Two things: first, Khem Birch was lights-out and deserves a spot in the rotation. I expected him to be good, but he blew away my expectations even in limited minutes. Second, I expected to see more Shelvin Mack than D.J. Augustin. I was hoping Mack would take Augustin’s spot in the rotation, but Augustin simply looked better in the preseason. We will have to see how this plays out as the regular season starts.

Palmer: I would say the biggest surprise for me was just how hard Jonathon Simmons played. I mean, it was preseason but there is no way you could tell by the effort Jonathon Simmons was giving. You can tell Simmons loves basketball and loves winning. Jonathon Simmons is going to be a real tone setter for this team and that is something the Magic have not had since Jameer Nelson left. I would not be shocked at all if you hear stories about how Simmons has become the unquestioned leader of this team by the All-Star break.

Rossman-Reich: I was honestly a bit surprised by D.J. Augustin’s play. I had pretty much written him off for this season and handed the backup point guard job to Shelvin Mack. Even in the early stages of the preseason, it looked like Augustin might repeat his struggles from last year. He just was not good enough to pick up the pace and play at the speed the Magic need. When Elfrid Payton leaves, there is a very noticeable decrease in pace and energy. But Augustin got better and more comfortable in each game. Simmons took on a bit more of the on-ball responsibilities and Augustin’s shooting worked better off the ball. I liked how he played as the preseason went on. I am (more) comfortable with him as the backup point guard.

Miller: Marreese Speights played surprisingly well this preseason, and I believe he might have won himself a job in the second unit. Marreese Speights greatly outplayed Bismack Biyombo and showcased his shooting touch throughout the preseason. Speights could be an important player this year in terms of spacing the floor. His 43.8 percent 3-point percentage was second on the team. A signing that did not garner much attention, Speights looks like a legitimate role player.