Orlando Magic Season recap: 5 questions for the offseason

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s offseason

Is Markelle Fultz ready to take over as point guard of the future?

The Orlando Magic are seeking players to build around and players who can drive the franchise forward. They are looking for someone to take off.

There is no doubt that Markelle Fultz re-energized the team. His return gave the team a spark emotionally. But it also gave them a clear spark on the court.

The Magic are now just curious what more Fultz can do.

Fultz averaged 10.8 points per game and 5.5 assists per game in 20.0 minutes per game. He was used mostly off the bench and provided these huge sparks of energy. The Magic played at a pace of nearly 104 possessions per 48 minutes, which would have led the league by far.

There was just this injection of energy.

In moments too, Fultz looked like the player that got picked first out of Washington. He had complete command over the pace of the game and got to his spots to hit mid-range jumpers with increasing consistency. Unlike Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz was proficient in finishing at the rim.

That was all well and good. So now comes the question of what comes next for the young guard.

Fultz is anticipating this offseason for a number of reasons.

He is healthy again and confident with his playing. But this will also mark his first healthy, non-COVID offseason.

Everyone always talks about how much a player grows between their rookie and sophomore seasons. Fultz never really had that. This is his first time he will have full access to a gym, a full offseason and no injury to rehab.

That is an exciting time for a young player. And for a young player with the latent talent Fultz clearly still has. The Magic are going to be eager to see what Fultz can do.

And while the team getting healthy is still the biggest priority for the team and its development. Getting Fultz back even for a brief time this year showed what the team could do and could be.

Fultz is entering what is essentially a contract year this year — there is a team option on the third year of his contract. It seems certain the Magic would pick that up. This is a big season for Fultz to cement a place with the team moving forward.