Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic’s five most important players going into training camp

By Jean Racine

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Jonathan Isaac #1 and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA,PA – NOVEMBER 25 : Aaron Gordon #00 and Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic shake hands against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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) /

The Orlando Magic have a lot of players they are keeping an eye on heading into training camp. These five players will have a big impact in 2019.

The Orlando Magic need to make major improvements this upcoming season.

That is an understatement for a team that won just 25 games last season. Fans are restless after a franchise-long six-season Playoff drought. The Magic hold the longest such active drought in the Eastern Conference too. It has not been an easy time for the Magic or their fans.

President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has had to work on the fringes to make his team better. With the salary cap constraining the Magic, he has worked along fringes and focused on drafting players that fit his ultimate vision.

Orlando still feels like it is a long way from recovering and getting back into the Eastern Conference picture.

It starts with players, they need to step up. Young players need to continue to progress. And new head coach Steve Clifford needs to put them in the best spots to succeed.

The playoffs are not that far of a stretch in a weak Eastern Conference. Orlando showed early last season that they can beat good teams. They jumped off to an 8-4 start last season before a flurry of injuries.

The same players are back and healthy with a few new additions. Clifford at least seems to believe they can be that surprise team. Although that may simply be coach’s optimism.

The Magic are a better team on paper than last season. They can have a successful season, but it will be predicated on the play of these five key players.