Orlando Magic’s offseason checklist: Build competitive team, build for the future

Fill the backup point guard spot

The most immediate need on the Orlando Magic’s roster is at the backup point guard spot.

Despite some in the national media wondering if Markelle Fultz is the Magic’s long-term answer at point guard, the team should feel very comfortable giving Fultz a full season as the clear-cut starting point guard.

Orlando is going to build and plan as if Fultz is going to be a part of this team for the long-term. They owe it to him at least to give him his chance to earn a new contract and extension this season before his restricted free agency in 2021.

Behind him is a bigger mystery though. Both D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams are free agents this offseason. It feels unlikely the Magic will bring back both players.

Augustin simply does not fit the team’s overall vision. His lack of size and slower-paced play makes it hard to justify giving him a new contract and committing to him long-term. Not to mention, he would just be the backup at this point. It might make sense to give him a one-year deal as a way to keep him as a veteran influence for Fultz.

The Magic will have to look to replace that veteran influence if they let Augustin go. That might be a lower priority with Al-Farouq Aminu on the roster and having a year with the team — although just 18 games playing.

Carter-Williams’ case is a little bit more complicated. There might be a market for Carter-Williams this offseason. But he has undoubtedly found a home and saved his career in Orlando. Playing for Steve Clifford has been a big boost for him.

Many mock drafts have the Magic taking a point guard in the draft — whether it is Tyrese Maxey, Tyrell Terry, Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony. The Magic are definitely in the market for a point guard somewhere.

This is the most immediate and clear need the team has to fill before next season begins.