Orlando Magic: Team MVP Candidates For 2013-14
The 2013-14 Orlando Magic roster does not have one standout player who is easily recognizable or far distinguished as the team’s MVP. It is filled with young, promising talent and veterans who would be at their best competing with a championship contender instead of playing for a franchise deep in rebuild mode.
Of course, the long-term plan is to build through the draft and ultimately try to land Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker in next year’s draft. With this roster, Orlando definitely has a strong possibility of drafting one of the two.
Nevertheless, the franchise still has plenty of seats to sell in one of the NBA’s top arenas, the Amway Center. Player jerseys need to be sold as well and it will be interesting to see which player gets the most jersey sales. Is it going to be the player who has the biggest impact on wins and losses or will it just be a fan favorite? Let’s look at a few of Orlando’s players who could be the team’s MVP next season.
He may not project as a superstar, but Harkless has a lot of potential as an NBA small forward. Length, athleticism, and defensive ability are what he will provide for the team. Last year, especially towards the end of the season, Harkless improved in most aspects of his game. A few of his dunks also made their way onto SportsCenter’s top 10. Next season though is about Harkless solidifying himself as a future starter in this league and if he continues to improve in his sophomore season, the rest of the league may take notice.
Harris may have been one of the best acquisitions via trade last season in all of the NBA. He could easily average close to the 17 points per game that he averaged last year. Depending on if he starts or not with the return of Glen Davis, Harris could be in for a huge season. The Magic love his versatility on the offensive end and he seems to be improving on defense as well.
The veteran shooting guard did not live up to the franchise’s expectations in year one, but Afflalo hopes to correct that. He was very inefficient shooting from the field, particularly because he was asked to primarily be a scorer, something he had been unaccustomed to while in Denver. There is little doubt about his ability to impact a game on the defensive end and there alone he could be a force for the Magic. He should finish as one of the team’s top two scorers next season.
The floor general Nelson will have a large role in the efficiency of the offense as a whole. He has been around long enough now and understands the system and style of play head coach Jacque Vaughn wants to play. He’s also an instrumental part to the development of Harris’ and Harkless’ game as well, as he has to get them the ball in positions where they can be effective and score. Afflalo and center Nikola Vucevic also are the beneficiaries of Nelson’s leadership as a floor general. The team has an option on his contract for 2014-15, but Nelson remains the heart and soul of the franchise and has been with the team longer than any other player on the roster.