Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s 2023 Offseason

By Harrison Brown

The Orlando Magic found themselves facing overtime again against a hot Miami Heat team. This time they pulled through for a win. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic found themselves facing overtime again against a hot Miami Heat team. This time they pulled through for a win. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Moe Wagner, Orlando Magic
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 03: Moritz Wagner #21 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. 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. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s offseason

5. Which positions can be upgraded to bolster the roster?

The Orlando Magic have most of their positions solidified for next season. The team can upgrade four positions and provide depth throughout for a long season ahead where the expectation is to compete at a high level with the NBA’s best.

Four starters — Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter — are nearly guaranteed to keep their spot for next season. That leaves only that second guard spot open to debate.

Gary Harris was excellent this season. And he has a young guard in Jalen Suggs nipping at his heels for more minutes. But if the team wants one spot to improve, Harris can be pushed to a bench role. This is the clearest area for an upgrade for the Magic. It is ripe for an addition.

Harris is still vital for this team that is lacking shooting, but starting shooting guard can be a spot that is upgraded through free agency if the front office wants to address the team’s biggest need.

Orlando has other depth issues at the wing to solve too.

At the end of the season, rookie Caleb Houstan took on the role of the backup small forward and played well. He plays within himself by reducing turnovers, cutting without the basketball; and shooting in rhythm.

He contributes while on the floor, but he averaged 3.8 points per game in 15.9 minutes per game.

Orlando needs more offensive threats and has several top-10 prospects coming into the draft who are wing scorers. Houstan will stay with the team and have opportunities to find himself back in the rotation, but backup small forward seems like a position the team can look to upgrade via free agency or the draft.

The same could be said for the backup power forward spot. Especially if Jonathan Isaac remains an unreliable option.

Moe Wagner and Bol Bol split time at this position, and while both had their moments, the position can be upgraded. Wagner will likely be retained based on his energy and relationship with his star younger brother, but his minutes could be reallocated.

Wagner shot 31.3 percent from three this year which is well below the league average. The roster has limited shooters in Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero, so surrounding them with floor spacers to give them the ability to create should be important.

Wagner can come into training camp next season to compete at the position if he re-signs and Isaac should be returning from a left-torn adductor muscle. Isaac will look to cement himself in the bench unit.

If the team wants to bolster the position, they can look to add a new player to split time with Isaac who is a better offensive player than Moe Wagner.

That is not the only frontcourt issue.

The Magic moved on from former sixth overall selection Mo Bamba as he failed to take the next step to stardom that was expected when he came into the NBA. The position has been temporarily filled by Goga Bitadze, but he should not be the answer for the backup behind Wendell Carter.

Orlando should look to add depth at the position with shot blockers who can also stretch the floor. Bitadze shot 16.7 percent from three in his Magic tenure and averaged less than a block per game. He was impressive for a late-season addition. But for a team looking to compete for a top-8 seed next year, he should not be the answer.

Next. Player Evaluations: Franz Wagner's incomplete leap. dark

The Magic have quite the to-do list before October, but the team has options to put together a sustainable and exhilarating team for years to come.