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5 storylines to watch at the Orlando Magic’s Summer League

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) dribbles the ball while defended by Texas A&M Aggies guard Dexter Dennis (0) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) dribbles the ball while defended by Texas A&M Aggies guard Dexter Dennis (0) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Summer League is always a tough thing to judge.

It is data and it is a public display of the team in a long offseason. It is hard not to get completely wrapped up in what we see.

On the other hand, Summer League is very much its own animal. It places a lot of players in roles they would not otherwise play during the season. Players are often working on their own things or trying to get seen and noticed not just for NBA teams but teams around the world.

What NBA teams are constantly trying to decipher is how everything will translate to the regular season and what they can use for their teams. Who is going to be able to contribute when their role reduces and the full rosters come together?

It is obviously a tougher thing because the box score stats often do not paint the clearest picture in the sometimes ragged games at Summer League.

The Orlando Magic begin their run through Summer League on Saturday. And there are a lot of stories to follow in the week to come for the Magic.

Even with all the usual warnings and trappings that come with Summer League, it is hard not to get swept up in the excitement of Summer League. It is a time for optimism and eagerness.

Summer League will serve a lot of purposes for this young Orlando Magic team.

The two rookies the team selected in the first round of the Draft will make their debuts and get their first taste of the NBA. That is usually the biggest focus for the Summer League yearly. It is a sneak peek of what these rookies will be able to provide.

But there is plenty more to get to. This is where the team establishes some of its foundations for players who make the roster — both in Orlando and now in Kissimmee with the Osceola Magic. Not to mention the two-way contracts the Magic still have to give out.

There is a lot to watch in Summer League. Although a lot of it has different meanings and all of it may not be entirely clear until we get to training camp.

As the Magic get ready to tip off their Summer League run, here are five storylines to keep an eye on and watch through the course of these games.