Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic, Mario Hezonja,
Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton want this season to be "Magical" for
Orlando.
The 2015-2016 Projected Roster
Point Guards: Elfrid Payton, Shabazz
Napier, CJ Watson
Shooting Guards: Victor Oladipo, Evan
Fournier, Tyler Harvey
Small Forwards: Tobias Harris, Mario
Hezonja, Melvin Ejim
Power Forwards: Aaron Gordon, Andrew
Nicholson, Channing Frye
Centers: Nikola Vucevic, Jason Smith,
Dewayne, Dedmon
The Optimistic View
The rebuilding process has progressed tremendously for the
Magic. They were very fortunate to have landed young studs like Nikola Vucevic
and Tobias Harris as mere parts of trades a few years back. They have drafted
really well for the past three seasons and the young guys they have gotten have
started showing growth and development in their play. GM Rob Hennigan has really
done a great job putting together a young group of players that has the
potential to be a force to reckon with in the years to come. They have also
hired tough as nails and former Magic point guard Scott Skiles as the new guy
to call the shots for the team. He has historically done well with young teams
especially in instilling in the players the right habits they need to become
successful professionals. With Aaron Gordon, Vic Oladipo, Elfrid Payton and
Mario Hezonja playing beyond expectations this past summer, this season might
be the start of something Magical for the Orlando Magic.
The Realistic Expectations
At the end of the day, the team is still very young and lacks
the necessary experience to really be consistent. Yet, if Nikola Vucevic and
Tobias Harris elevate their games further and the young guys that they have
progress accordingly, then Orlando can definitely, make some noise in the East.
Still, youth can be deceiving and sometimes,
there is no timetable for when these young guys will finally pan out. It will
also be interesting to see how these guys will adjust to the tough-minded
approach of Scott Skiles. Will they be receptive of it? Or will they dread it?
Bottomline
It is hard to consistently win in the league when you have a
bunch of young guys leading the team. A veteran presence who can bring
stability and show these kids the ropes can really help the Magic. The team has
immense potential. Still, it remains to be seen if this potential will finally
translate into wins this season.
Bold Predictions
Orlando will still not make the playoffs this season because of
the many close games that they will most likely lose this season. Best case
scenario for them is that they will make it to the 8th spot as the up and
coming rising team in the East. Aaron Gordon will be way better and hopefully,
healthier this year and show glimpses of his superstar potential. Mario Hezonja
will surprise a lot of people with his versatility in offense as he will be
able to showcase his shooting touch and athleticism. Nikola Vucevic will be an
All-Star this season. Tobias Harris will be able to show people why he got that
big contract this past summer. Vic Oladipo and Elfrid Payton will show glimpses
of their potential to become the best defensive backcourt in the years to come.
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