Orlando Magic Lineups: Versatility is a Good Problem
By Seth Arora
What Might Change in the Starting Five
At least to begin the season, it looks like the Orlando Magic will roll out the same starting five as 2019.
Of course, there are a few questions likely at or near the top of every Magic fan’s list: a) What about Markelle Fultz?; b) What about Mohamed Bamba?; c) What about Fultz?; and d) What about Fultz?
Right now, Fultz has not done enough to warrant consideration in the starting lineup.
He certainly showed flashes of brilliance and demonstrated undeniable talent during the preseason. To say that he has a natural feel for the game is a massive understatement. And his playmaking abilities proved that the Magic fandom’s hype for him certainly walks, quacks, talks and acts like it is oh so real.
But the Magic need balance in their starting five.
The candidates he would look to supplant, D.J. Augustin and Evan Fournier, possess a critical skill Markelle Fultz has not displayed: long-distance shooting.
Both players’ ability to hit the three simply keeps defenses honest and opens up paths to the basket. If this part of the game comes to Fultz as Magic fans hope, the story would be entirely different but for the time being, Augustin and Fournier present the best options for the team at tip-off.
As for Mohamed Bamba, his preseason play gives a reason for hope his draft stock was right on the money. He played with purpose and efficiency, earning the praise of his teammates in the process while showing development in his defensive attentiveness and confidence.
Still, it is going to take more than a solid preseason for Bamba to take a spot in the starting lineup. Nikola Vucevic is going nowhere and Jonathan Isaac’s growth may very well be second to none on the team.
Like Fultz, Bamba’s potential has some Magic fans salivating, but all he has shown is just that: potential. The starting five looks like it will remain intact to start the season.