Orlando Magic 2019 Offseason: 5 biggest needs for Orlando Magic, and how to fill them

5 of 6

Mohamed Bamba, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Domantas Sabonis

ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 31: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers on January 31, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Settling the center

The whole offseason for the Orlando Magic, and everything they can do, revolves around Nikola Vucevic.

Keep Nikola Vucevic, and the team has likely eaten into all of its cap room and cannot do much else outside of re-signing Terrence Ross and retaining the same team. Let him walk and the team has to find a way to fill the center position and stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.

Through this all too, the team has to consider how Mohamed Bamba is developing and groom him to take over as the starter eventually. Signing a player — even Vucevic — to a long-term contract does not make a whole lot of sense. This is a position where Orlando needs someone who can hold the boat steady.

Mohamed Bamba’s rookie year was not disappointing, but he struggled to hold his own on the court at all times. He has a long way to go and a lot of growing still to do. Especially adding weight and strength. His understanding of the game will only grow with experience.

Adding in that Vucevic was the best player for the Magic this year, and there is plenty of reason to bring him back. But he might end up being too rich for the Magic to afford. And they will have to find a center that can fill in.

Perhaps Bamba is closer to starting than he showed in his play during his rookie season. Orlando certainly would hope so.

And the team seems almost certain to try to re-sign Khem Birch as a bit more of an insurance for him. It is certainly possible the Magic could look to start Khem Birch at the beginning of the season and slowly shift to Mohamed Bamba as the season progresses.

The Magic might do good to find a third center for the roster — whether it is a big acquisition who can play starter’s minutes if Vucevic leaves or someone who can help bolster the reserves as the team plays by committee.

All of this discussion is moot if the Magic re-sign Vucevic. But one way or another the Magic will have to add some support to the center position it seems. The team will need a little bit of a boost while it bides its time for Bamba to develop.