The Orlando Magic are ready to begin a rebuild that will likely see a good chunk of their roster rebuilt. As the summer gets start I open the mailbag.
The NBA offseason is about to get going. The NBA Draft Lottery is Tuesday and the team’s future will get put into clearer focus. Or at least the rest of the offseason gets a little clearer as the team gets one of its most important pieces in place.
Of course, there is still a big thing to get through first. The Orlando Magic have to find a coach.
Considering all the changes president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman is making behind the scenes, it truly feels like a new day for the Magic.
It almost has to be because of the listless six seasons of the last rebuild. And the fact that there is new management putting its imprint on the team with a new coaching staff (eventually). The last part is the new players.
It certainly feels like the Magic are going to make those changes the next phase of the team’s rebuild.
It might take a while. The reality is the Magic still do not have a lot of cap room to play with. They will not be able to spend much in the offseason to make the roster better. They are likely going to pursue the trade route.
But after a 25-win season, what team is clamoring for Evan Fournier, Nikola Vucevic or Bismack Biyombo?
This is the quandary Weltman finds himself in. This is a team that has a tricky path forward. At least if they are unwilling to be patient.
As Weltman told fans in press conferences, he has not been here for the five years of pain the preceded him. He is trying to approach things with fresh eyes. And that might mean it is time for a hard reset.
The Magic are going to be rubbing all kinds of lucky totems to expedite that process in the Lottery. But, to be sure, the Magic still have a lot of work to do to improve their roster, their culture and their basketball operation.
That all will likely start this year. And with this franchise-changing moment in the Lottery coming up, it is time to dive into the Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag.