201819positions

Josh Cohen

ORLANDO – Quite possibly no spot on the Orlando Magic’s roster will hold more intrigue this season than that of point guard after the franchise chose to mostly stand pat there this offseason.

When the Magic opted for center Mohamed Bamba in the June NBA Draft and passed on the slim pickings that were available in free agency, it meant there would be no major additions at the point guard position. Orlando did acquire long-armed guard Jerian Grant – a player it feels is about to hit his prime – in a three-team trade involving Chicago and Charlotte.

The Magic, which will hold Media Day on Monday and open training camp on Tuesday at the Amway Center, will most likely feature 10-year veteran D.J. Augustin as their starter at point guard. Orlando got off to a stellar start last season with Augustin running the show, but it stumbled when he went down with a hamstring injury. Augustin also responded well to the Magic trading Elfrid Payton last February, closing the season with some stellar shooting. Most likely, when the Magic tip off the regular season against the Miami Heat at the Amway Center on Oct. 17, Augustin will be the team’s starter at point guard.

Grant, the nephew of Magic legend Horace Grant, averaged career highs across the board last season in Chicago and the hope in Orlando is that it is the start of something special for the 6-foot-4 guard. He is a willing passer and thrives on the defensive end, but he must prove that he can knock down open shots to push Augustin for the starting job.

Orlando signed journeyman Isaiah Briscoe for depth following a strong showing in Summer League, but those minutes could very well go to shooting guard Jonathon Simmons because of his dynamic one-on-one abilities.

With training camp just days away, OrlandoMagic.com wraps up its position-by-position analysis with a look at the team’s point guards. Click here for look at the team’s CENTERS, POWER FORWARDS, SMALL FORWARDS and SHOOTING GUARDS. Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of the Magic’s point guard position:

PLAYERS: D.J. Augustin (6-0, 183, 10 NBA seasons); Jerian Grant (6-4, 198, 3 NBA seasons); Jonathon Simmons (6-6, 195, 3 NBA seasons); Isaiah Briscoe (6-3, 220, NBA rookie).

PROJECTED STARTER: Augustin (2017-18 stats: 75 games, 10.2 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 2.1 apg., 45.2 FG percent, 41.9 3FG percent, 86.8 FT percent).

PROJECTED DEPTH: Grant (2017-18 stats with Bulls: 74 games, 8.4 ppg., 2.3 rpg., 4.6 apg., 0.9 spg., 41.6 FG percent, 32.6 3FG percent, 74.5 FT percent); Simmons (2017-18 stats: 69 games, 13.9 ppg., 3.5 rpg., 2.5 spg., 46.5 FG percent, 33.8 3FG percent, 76.8 FT percent);Briscoe (2017-18 stats in Estonian League: 18.5 ppg., 3.4 rpg., 4.2 apg., 1.6 spg.

STRENGTHS: While they don’t have a superstar at the point guard position, the Magic do have a good mix of talents there. In Augustin, they Magic have an elite outside shooter who is coming off a season in which he shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range for a fourth time in his career. While Simmons might not be a true point guard, the Magic like putting the ball in his hands because of his ability to break down defenders and get to the rim. In Grant, the Magic have a plus passer and a long-armed defender capable of checking shooting guards and point guards. Briscoe, one of the top point guards in the nation coming out of high school years ago, is a diamond in the rough who should give the Magic plenty of toughness.

WEAKNESSES: Orlando doesn’t have a dominant lead guard who is going to spearhead the offense and rack up lots of assists on a nightly basis. Playmaking is a big issue for the Magic, especially from the point guard position. Augustin is a willing passer, but he is limited at times by his lack of size when he gets into the lane. Simmons has dazzling vision, but often looks to score and not set up others when he gets into the paint. Grant averaged a career high in assists last season, but he must be able to hit shots from the outside to make defenses commit to him – something that should open up driving lanes for him to pass to open teammates.

ANALYSIS: After bouncing around the NBA in recent years, Augustin has found a home in Orlando. Now, he’s back for a third consecutive season with the Magic as their unquestioned starter at point guard. Augustin filled that role late last season after the franchise traded Elfrid Payton and he played well, averaging 12.8 points, 5.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 25 games after the NBA All-Star Game. Augustin also shot the ball exceptionally well after the break (48.9 percent overall and 45.3 percent from 3-point range), giving the Magic a much-needed threat from beyond the arc.

Magic coach Steve Clifford has talked about the need to use training camp to figure out ``playing groups.’’ One potential backcourt pairing will be Simmons and Augustin because of their differing skills. Augustin is often best used off the ball as a spot-up shooter and that role allows Simmons to have the ball in his hands to break down defenses.

The Magic are confident that they are acquiring Grant at a time when his game is about to take off. He is coming off career highs across the board last season in Chicago and the Magic are excited about having his defense on the floor with Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba.

Briscoe played well enough in Summer League to earn a contract from the Magic. He has great size, strength and toughness at the point guard position and he could give the Magic another option defensively against teams with taller point guards.

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

2018-19-magic-position-preview-point-guards

2018-19 Magic Position Preview: Point Guards

ORLANDO – For years, Steve Clifford has admired shooting guard Evan Fournier from a distance and marveled at his improvement and highly efficient play from the shooting guard position.

Now the coach of the Orlando Magic, Clifford has gotten to see why Fournier has become such a consistent and productive player.

Fournier, who missed the final month of last season with a knee injury, has been a regular at the Magic’s practice facility most of the offseason while preparing himself for this season. That work has allowed Clifford a chance to see why Fournier has become such a solid player and one who has led the Magic in scoring each of the past three seasons.

``We’ve had a bunch of guys coming in here all the time in September and are in a really good place right now – none better than Evan,’’ Clifford raved. ``He’s had a good summer, his game is on and he’s in really good condition. It’s the shooting, his basketball IQ, his ability to play off screens is terrific and he’s bigger than I realized.’’

Orlando and Clifford will once again lean heavily on Fournier at the shooting guard position this season. Unlike in years past, the Magic have tremendous depth and versatility at that position what with Jonathon Simmons and Terrence Ross also on the roster. All three can play either at shooting guard or small forward, giving Clifford plenty of options on the wings.

With the Magic set to open training camp on Tuesday at the Amway Center, Orlando Magic.com is taking a closer look at the team position-by-position. Without further ado, here’s a look at how the Magic will utilize their shooting guard position:

PLAYERS: Evan Fournier (6-7, 205, 6 NBA seasons); Jonathon Simmons (6-6, 195, 3 NBA seasons); Terrence Ross (6-7, 206, 6 NBA seasons); Melvin Frazier Jr. (6-6, 198, NBA rookie).

PROJECTED STARTER: Fournier (2017-18 stats: 57 games, 17.8 ppg., 3.2 rpg., 2.9 apg., 45.9 FG percent, 37.9 3FG percent, 86.7 FT percent).

PROJECTED DEPTH: Simmons (2017-18 stats: 69 games, 13.9 ppg., 3.5 rpg., 2.5 spg., 46.5 FG percent, 33.8 3FG percent, 76.8 FT percent); Ross (2017-18 stats: 24 games, 8.7 ppg., 3.0 rpg., 1.6 apg., 1.1 spg., 39.8 FG percent, 32.3 3FG percent, 75 FT percent); Frazier Jr. (2017-18 stats at Tulane University: 30 games, 15.9 ppg., 5.6 rpg., 2.9 apg., 2.1 spg., 55.6 FG percent, 38.5 3FG percent, 71.2 FT percent.

STRENGTHS: Orlando possesses tremendous skill and depth at the shooting guard position with three veterans who have started games and previously played at a high level. Despite leading the Magic in scoring each of the past three seasons and playing on a lucrative contract, Fournier is one of the NBA’s most underrated players because of his highly efficient play. The Magic bet on Simmons last summer when they signed him away from the Spurs and he rewarded them with career-best numbers across the board. Orlando desperately needs Ross to have a big bounce-back season following an injury-marred 2017-18, and thus far he’s put in the offseason work to play well going forward. Frazier Jr. and Wesley Iwundu can play both the shooting guard and small forward positions and they will give the Magic some defensive toughness off the bench.

WEAKNESSES: While Orlando’s two-guards are plus 3-point shooters and better-than-adequate scorers, they sometimes struggle at making others around them better with their court vision and passing. Fournier made strides in this area over the last two seasons while averaging 3.0 and 2.9 assists a game. Still, the Magic he tended to force shots at times and occasionally turned the ball over on drives to the rim when finding other teammates with a pass would have been the better option. The Magic love Simmons’ ability to break down defenders off the dribble and his willingness to put his head down and fearlessly get to the rim and the free throw line. While Simmons helps the Magic get to the free throw line (3.5 attempts a game last season), they need him to be more willing to pass the ball to others for easy baskets when he gets in the lane. The same goes for Ross, who too often camped out around the 3-point line last season and did little to create open shots for others.

ANALYSIS: After missing the final month of last season, Fournier vowed he would be a regular at the Orlando practice facility this summer so that he would be completely ready for this season. He has been true to his word, working at the Amway Center much of the summer to get himself ready. Coach Steve Clifford has been extremely impressed with Fournier’s skill level and conditioning thus far and he is convinced that the veteran shooting guard is headed toward a big season.

Simmons could be slowed some early in the season after needing offseason surgery to repair a damaged ligament in his right wrist – an injury he suffered last April. That injury was the only negative last season for Simmons, who was often Orlando’s best offensive and defensive player. Clifford loves Simmons’ competitive spirit and he wants to use the guard in a variety of ways.

Ross missed four months last season after suffering a significant knee injury and only returned for two games in late April. He spent most of his summer in Orlando, working at the Amway Center to improve the strength in his leg and the conditioning in his body. The hope is that he has regained his confidence and his shooting form. If he can get back to the levels he was at as recently as two seasons ago, Ross could give the Magic some dynamic firepower off the bench.

Frazier Jr. made significant strides in college while playing for former NBA coach Mike Dunleavy and he has all the tools to be a defensive stopper. His 3-point shot will have to improve in order to cull out consistent playing time as a rookie.

2018-19-magic-position-preview-shooting-guards

2018-19 Magic Position Preview: Shooting Guards

ORLANDO – Still a couple of weeks shy of his 21st birthday, forward Jonathan Isaac has a game that is very much in a similar place as that of his Orlando Magic.

Heaps of athleticism combined with towering length and flashes of promising brilliance are some of the ways to best describe the 6-foot-11, 225-pound Isaac. Also, there is plenty of rawness and many questions – both with the young forward and the rebuilding Magic.

Much of the Magic’s future success is riding on the growth and development of Isaac this season and in years to come. Orlando wisely brought him along slowly as a rookie, helping him through injuries and struggles while hoping to ensure that his future remains bright. Now stronger and more confident following a summer of tireless work, Isaac is hopeful that he can show off some of the skills that could make him a cornerstone piece of the Magic franchise.

Already an elite defender and a developing offensive threat, Isaac will likely be the Magic’s starter at small forward when training camp opens later this month. How much of a leap he can make this season might go a long way in determining the strides that Orlando can make in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Magic will hold Media Day at the Amway Center on Sept. 24 and open training camp a day later in Orlando. The team begins the preseason in Philadelphia on Oct. 1 and plays Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo on Oct. 5 at the Amway Center. For a third straight season, the Magic will open the regular season at home against the rival Miami Heat – this time on Oct. 17 ay 7 p.m. Season tickets and single-game tickets are on sale and can be purchased by logging onto OrlandoMagic.com or calling 407-89-MAGIC.

OrlandoMagic.com is breaking down the team’s strengths, weaknesses and plan of attack at each position in the days prior to the start of training camp. Today, the focus is on the small forward position and the plans for using Isaac, Terrence Ross and youngsters Wes Iwundu and Melvin Frazier Jr. Power forward Aaron Gordon and shooting guard Evan Fournier will also spend time at small forward, giving the Magic tremendous depth at the position. Without further ado, here’s a look at how the Magic will utilize the small forward position:

PLAYERS: Jonathan Isaac (6-11, 225, 1 NBA season); Terrence Ross (6-7, 206, 6 NBA seasons); Wes Iwundu (6-7, 195, 1 NBA season); Melvin Frazier Jr. (6-6, 198, NBA rookie).

PROJECTED STARTER: Isaac (2017-18 stats: 27 games, 5.4 ppg., 3.7 rpg., 1.1 bpg., 37.9 FG percent, 34.8 3FG percent, 76 FT percent).

PROJECTED DEPTH: Ross (2017-18 stats: 24 games, 8.7 ppg., 3.0 rpg., 1.6 apg., 1.1 spg., 39.8 FG percent, 32.3 3FG percent, 75 FT percent); Iwundu (2017-18 stats: 62 games, 3.7 ppg., 2.2 rpg., 0.5 spg., 42.7 FG percent, 19.6 3FG percent, 72.3 FT percent); Frazier Jr. (2017-18 stats at Tulane University: 30 games, 15.9 ppg., 5.6 rpg., 2.9 apg., 2.1 spg., 55.6 FG percent, 38.5 3FG percent, 71.2 FT percent.

STRENGTHS: The Magic should have plenty of athleticism and depth at this all-important wing position. In addition to featuring the rangy Isaac and backing him up with Ross, Iwundu and Frazier Jr., Gordon and Fournier can play at the small forward position at times. In Isaac, Iwundu and Frazier Jr., the Magic have three players who specialize in defense and have the length and strength to cover any wing player in the NBA. Isaac showed off his potential as a possible All-Defensive Team player in the NBA Summer League by smothering several scorers with his long arms, lateral quickness and explosiveness off the floor when coming from the weak side. Orlando’s defensive metrics were strong last season when Iwundu was on the floor, but he and Frazier Jr. will have to work to carve out roles at a position that is especially deep for the Magic.

WEAKNESSES: Orlando wants to play Isaac at small forward alongside Gordon and Nikola Vucevic or Mohamed Bamba, but there are legitimate concerns about whether or not the lanky forward can make enough shots from the perimeter to keep defenses honest. Isaac struggled with his jumper much of his rookie season, but constant work throughout the summer with the Magic’s new coaching staff has helped him re-work his form. Ross is hoping to have a big bounce-back season after missing most of last year with a knee injury, but he’ll need to shoot the ball much better than he did in 2017-18. Iwundu and Frazier aren’t known for their shooting and they will have to prove that they can consistently knock down shots in order to get minutes.

ANALYSIS: Much of the Magic’s future is tied to the development of Isaac. Orlando took things exceptionally slow with him as a rookie because it wanted to ensure his health and his habits were solid going forward. After showing encouraging flashes as a rookie, Isaac revealed himself as often the best player on the floor for long stretches of the NBA Summer League. Isaac’s length, agility and smarts give him the potential to be an elite defender right away. The only questions come on the offensive end where foes will dare Isaac to make shots from deep. However, if he can simply be the best defender on the floor, rebound with aggression and take advantage of offensive opportunities presented by boundless energy, Isaac will be a stellar contributor in his second NBA season.

Ross, a participant in workouts at the Amway Center much of the summer, will split time at both the shooting guard and small forward positions, as will Fournier. Regardless of where he plays, Ross must play with more confidence and conviction than he did last season. A starter early last season, Ross struggled badly when he was a fifth option on the team and often grew passive and unsure of himself. He will likely be used as a reserve this season, and Orlando will greatly need his ability to score points in bunches while with the second unit. Whether Ross can be consistent and make shots – questions that have dogged him throughout his career – could determine his long-term future with the franchise.

Iwundu and Frazier Jr. give the Magic two lengthy and fearless reserves who specialize in defense. Again, their chances to play will come down to their ability to make shots and contribute offensively.

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2018-19 Magic Position Preview: Small Forwards

ORLANDO – Which Aaron Gordon will the Orlando Magic get this season – the one who was dominant and seemingly bound for stardom early in last season or the one who was oft-injured and out of sync late?

Which Jonathan Isaac will the Magic see in Year 2 of his NBA career – the one who struggled to stay upright and on the floor as a rookie or the one who was dramatically more assertive and confident in NBA Summer League play?

If Gordon and Isaac – easily the two most explosive and athletic players on the roster – can make major strides and be consistent this season it could go a long way in helping the Magic be postseason contenders in the pedestrian Eastern Conference. Much intrigue will surround their individual improvements this season for a Magic squad that begins training camp on Sept. 25.

Indeed, much is riding on the shoulders of the 22- and 20-year-old shoulders of Gordon and Isaac. That’s not much of a concern to the Magic after a summer in which they showed their belief in the two forwards with their actions. Orlando let Gordon know that it strongly believes in his future by locking him up to a lucrative, long-term contract extension in early July. Around that same time, the Magic also turned over the reins of their Summer League squad to Isaac and the rangy forward responded with the kind of confident and aggressive play that was lacking much of his rookie season.

With the Magic being less than two weeks from the start of training camp, OrlandoMagic.com is breaking down the team’s strengths, weaknesses and likely plan of attack at each position. Today, the focus is on the power forward position and the plans for using Gordon, Isaac, Jarell Martin and two-way player Amile Jefferson this season. Without further ado, here’s a look at how the Magic will utilize the power forward position:

PLAYERS: Aaron Gordon (6-9, 220, 4 NBA seasons); Jonathan Isaac (6-11, 225, 1 NBA season); Jarell Martin (6-10, 239, 3 NBA seasons); Amile Jefferson (6-9, 224, NBA rookie).

PROJECTED STARTER: Gordon (2017-18 stats: 58 games, 17.6 ppg., 7.9 rpg., 2.3 apg., 1.0 spg., 43.4 FG percent, 33.6 3FG percent, 69.8 FT percent).

PROJECTED DEPTH: Isaac (2017-18 stats: 27 games, 5.4 ppg., 3.7 rpg., 1.1 bpg., 37.9 FG percent, 34.8 3FG percent, 76 FT percent); Martin (2017-18 stats with Grizzlies: 73 games, 7.7 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 0.7 bpg., 44.6 FG percent, 34.7 3FG percent, 76.7 FT percent); Jefferson (2017-18 stats with G League’s Iowa Energy: 47 games, 18 ppg., 13 rpg., 36 double-doubles.

STRENGTHS: The Magic have two potential young stars at power forward in Gordon and Isaac. Meanwhile, Martin will provide tremendous veteran depth at the position, while Jefferson is an intriguing prospect who was highly consistent at the G league level last season. Gordon and Isaac will likely spit time at the two forward positions throughout the season. At times, Gordon will play power forward on the offensive end and small forward defensively, while Isaac will resemble a small forward on offense and a power forward defensively. Their positional versatility – not to mention their outstanding athleticism – should be big-time strengths at the position for the Magic.

WEAKNESSES: Perimeter shooting will always be a major concern as it relates to Gordon and Isaac. Gordon shot an absurd 59.1 percent from 3-point range last October – including two game-winning threes – but his accuracy soon tumbled as the season progressed. He shot just 31.6 percent from 3-point range after the All-Star break, but he still finished at 33.6 percent for the season – easily a career best. Isaac attempted just 46 3-point shots all season even though foes often backed off of him and dared to heave up perimeter tries. He did make three of six 3-pointers (for a career-best 15 points) on April 1 in Atlanta in what proved to be his final game of an injury-marred rookie season. The Magic are hopeful that a re-worked shooting motion and much more strength will help Isaac because at least a respected 3-point shooter this season. Martin made 34 3-pointers last season after connecting on just nine in his first two NBA seasons. That shot is still very much a work in progress for a big man who was once reluctant to let shots fly from the perimeter.

ANALYSIS: Orlando desperately needs the 22-year-old Gordon to make another big leap this season and become the type of player who it can trust to make the right play – whether that’s taking and making a big shot or making a pass to set up an open teammate. Understanding how to make others around him better when he commands the attention of the defense is a much-needed next step for the forward. Also, Gordon has worked hard all summer to get his body stronger so that he can potentially avoid the nagging injuries that too often knocked him out of action last season.

Isaac, who will split his time at small forward and power forward all season, showed plenty of promise in the NBA Summer League with his confident and assertive play. His long-armed defense, especially when playing alongside of center Mohamed Bamba and Gordon, could be a lethal weapon for the Magic. Like with Gordon, the Isaac will be looked to to make major strides this season. If he can merely run the floor, finish around the rim and be a defensive terror, Orlando will be delighted with the young forward.

Martin is a vastly underrated rebounder and someone who will usually make the right decisions on the offensive end of the floor. He’ll be expected to bring energy and toughness to the Magic’s frontline.

Jefferson, a former three-time team captain at Duke, opened plenty of eyes in the G League last season when he tallied a whopping 36 double-doubles in 47 games. That work earned him first-team All G League Defensive honors last season.

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2018-19 Magic Position Preview: Power Forwards

ORLANDO – Plenty of intrigue is sure to surround the Orlando Magic in the upcoming season what with them having a new coach, a potentially transformational new big man and a couple blossoming young players seemingly on the verge of making big leaps.

No position on the Magic’s roster will command more attention and intrigue than that of the center spot – one where new head coach Steve Clifford will likely have to pull off his best juggling act at times this season.

Nikola Vucevic, the longest-tenured player on the Magic, is back for a seventh season in Orlando and back following one of the best all-around seasons of his NBA career. That didn’t stop the Magic from gleefully selecting 7-foot center Mohamed Bamba with the No. 6 pick in last June’s NBA Draft. Orlando is hopeful that Bamba – owner of the NBA’s longest wingspan ever recorded at 7 feet, 10 inches – can quickly become a shot-swatting deterrent at the rim and make the Magic a feared, elite defense. Potentially pairing Bamba with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac – two young players the Magic will be expecting to make major gains this season – could give Orlando the most explosive and athletic frontline in the NBA.

How Clifford balances Vucevic’s steady offensive production and Bamba’s much-needed defense could be one of the major keys to the season for a Magic team that hopes to make a major jump in the standings this season. Clifford, who was hired on May 30 following a successful five-year stint in Charlotte, has been charged with getting the Magic back into the playoffs for the first time since the 2012 season – one in which he worked in Orlando as an assistant coach.

The Magic will hold Media Day at the Amway Center on Sept. 24 and open training camp a day later in Orlando. The team opens the preseason in Philadelphia on Oct. 1 and plays Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo on Oct. 5 at the Amway Center. For a third straight season, the Magic will open the regular season at home against the rival Miami Heat – this time on Oct. 17 ay 7 p.m. Season tickets and single-game tickets are on sale and can be purchased by logging onto OrlandoMagic.com or calling 407-89-MAGIC.

With the Magic being almost two weeks from the start of training camp, OrlandoMagic.com is breaking down the team’s strengths, weaknesses and likely plan of attack at each position. Today, the focus is on the center position and how the team will use Vucevic, Bamba, Khem Birch and Timofey Mozgov. Without further ado, here’s a look at how the Magic will look in the middle:

PLAYERS: Nikola Vucevic (7-0, 260, 7 NBA seasons); Mohamed Bamba (7-0, 225, NBA rookie); Khem Birch (6-9, 220, 1 NBA season); Timofey Mozgov (7-1, 275, 8 NBA seasons).

PROJECTED STARTER: Vucevic (2017-18 stats: 57 games, 16.5 ppg., 9.2 rpg., 3.4 apg., 1.1 bpg., 47.5 FG percent, 31.4 3FG percent, 81.9 FT percent).

PROJECTED DEPTH: Bamba (2017-18 stats at University of Texas: 30 games, 12.9 ppg., 10.5 rpg., 3.7 bpg., 54.1 FG percent, 27.5 3FG percent, 68.1 FT percent); Birch (2017-18 stats: 42 games, 4.2 ppg., 4.3 rpg., 0.5 bpg., 54 FG percent, 68.9 FT percent); Mozgov (2017-18 stats with Nets: 31 games (13 starts), 4.2 ppg., 3.2 rpg., 55.9 FG percent.

STRENGTHS: In Vucevic, Bamba, Birch and Mozgov the Magic have a diverse base of talent, making it arguably the squad’s deepest overall position. Vucevic is nearly as skilled offensively as any other center in the league what with his perimeter shooting, excellent passing skills and stellar work on the glass. Bamba has the wingspan, smarts and lateral quickness to make the Magic a feared defense for the first time in seven seasons. Birch proved last season that he belongs in the NBA with his willingness to block shots and fight bigger centers in the post. He and the veteran Mozgov will have to fight for minutes in the regular rotation, but undoubtedly there will be times when they will contribute because of their size, skills and toughness.

WEAKNESSES: Whereas each Magic big man possesses a true strength, there is also a definitive weakness in each of their games. For as skilled as he is offensively, Vucevic usually struggles in high pick-and-roll defense and opposing players usually have no fear of him swatting their shots at the rim. Bamba has done a lot of work this offseason on his post play and shooting, but he is still incredibly raw offensively. His lack of bulk and strength – something he’s already addressing with more weight room work – will likely be to his detriment as a rookie against bigger, more physically mature players. Birch is a center in a power forward’s body, but he doesn’t yet possess the ability to step away from the basket and knock down perimeter shots. Mozgov has struggled to carve out playing time in recent years as teams have gone to faster, more agile centers.

ANALYSIS: While improving the defense is a top priority for the Magic this season, they are still going to need to score enough points to keep up in today’s small-ball, space-and-pace NBA. For that reason, the Magic most likely will begin the season with Vucevic as the starter at center. They know that they can count on Vucevic to make the right play on the offensive end what with his solid combination of shooting, passing and screening. A member of the Magic for six seasons, Vucevic loves playing in Orlando and wants to secure his long-term future here. The best way to do that is to have a career-best season on both ends of the floor.

The Magic will still make sure to carve out plenty of playing time for Bamba, who has the potential to make a sizeable impact on the defensive end of the floor with his shot-blocking and length around the rim. Because he’s still so raw offensively, the Magic will likely use the big man primarily as a lob threat after setting high screens and rolling to the rim. If he can also make enough perimeter shots and the occasional 3-pointer, Bamba will be able to stay on the floor more and carve out a bigger role in the rotation. Bamba has already greatly impressed the Magic with the improvement he’s made since the end of his college career and if he can continue on that path this season he could have superstar potential in the very near future.
  Birch is a highly underrated player who could find his way onto the floor this season with his ability to bring consistent toughness, energy and shot-blocking. Birch and Mozgov give the Magic plenty of insurance at the center position should injuries hit the team.

2018-19-magic-position-preview-centers

2018-19 Magic Position Preview: Centers

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.