Orlando Magic: 2013-14 Season Preview
Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless could be a Most Improved Player candidate in 2013-14 for a rebuilding club. (Flickr.com photo/RMTip21)
2012-13 Vitals
20-62; 3-13 vs. Southeast division; 5th in division; missed the playoffs
94.1 PPG (ranked 24th), 42.7 RPG (ranked 12th), 22.8 APG (ranked 12th), 101.1 PPG (ranked 24th)
2013-2014 Roster
Arron Afflalo, SG
Glen Davis, PF
Maurice Harkless, SF
Tobias Harris, SF
DeQuan Jones, SF
Doron Lamb, SG
Jason Maxiell, PF
E’Twaun Moore, PG
Jameer Nelson, PG
Andrew Nicholson, PF
Kyle O’Quinn, C
Victor Oladipo, SG
Romero Osby, SF
Ronnie Price, PG
Hedo Turkoglu, SF
Nikola Vucevic, C
Offseason Additions
Jason Maxiell (Detroit), Ronnie Price (Portland), Victor Oladipo (drafted), Romero Osby (drafted)
Offseason Subtractions
DeQuan Jones (free agent), Beno Udrih (New York), Al Harrington (Washington)
Projected Starters
PF- Tobias Harris
SF- Maurice Harkless
C- Nikola Vucevic
SG- Arron Afflalo
PG- Jameer Nelson
Season Outlook
The Magic enter the season with little expectations to be better than last season. Though the franchise finished with the worst record in the league, general manager Rob Hennigan has to be applauded for the way he has assembled young talent after trading away superstar Dwight Howard. If a team is going to rebuild in today’s NBA, it requires a few years of luck with the draft lottery and strong player development. Hennigan is big on following the Oklahoma City Thunder rebuilding model, which brought him three current All-Stars in consecutive drafts with the Thunder.
Victor Oladipo was drafted by the Magic with the second overall pick, and he is expected to be an immediate fan favorite with his athleticism, defensive effort, and energy he will bring to the team. Whether it’s at shooting guard or point guard, he should be a solid contributor to the Magic’s backcourt in his rookie season. The one constant with Oladipo’s game is his defense and that will pay dividends for the Magic, who finished 24th in points allowed last season. Romero Osby joins Oladipo as the only other rookie on the roster heading into training camp.
To start the season, Harris will start at power forward while Davis continues to recover from a broken foot. Harris was a welcomed addition to the team last year when he was acquired at the trade deadline from the Milwaukee Bucks for J.J. Redick. He was arguably the Magic’s best player, averaging 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds in just 27 games with the team. The power forward position already seems to be in quite a bit of a logjam, with Nicholson and Maxiell both competing for playing time as well. Nicholson had a nice showing in the Orlando Summer League, showcasing his improved footwork in the post, and is one of the players Hennigan is high on going forward. Maxiell was signed to be a presence in the locker room and give the team veteran leadership in what is expected to be another long season for the franchise. Veteran guards Afflalo and Nelson will most likely be the team captains.
Harkless and Vucevic were two of the players the Magic acquired in the Howard trade and they’re also the reason why most NBA pundits would say the Magic were the winners of that trade. Their development will be key to how much success the Magic actually have this season. Harkless hit the gym hard in the offseason to improve his jump shot and ball handling skills and plans on playing some shooting guard this year, a move that will allow Harris to slide back to his natural position on the wing. Vucevic just finished second in the league in rebounding at 11.9 a game, as he set a franchise-record with 29 rebounds against the Miami Heat last December. If he can put up similar numbers this year and improve his interior defense, the Magic may have found their big man to replace Howard. He may not be an All Star, but Vucevic gives the team a solid center who the team can build around with an exciting mix of perimeter players.
Depending on the progression of Oladipo and Nicholson, do not be surprised if any of the veterans Afflalo, Nelson, or Davis are being shopped around close to the trading deadline. With an emphasis on player development and rebuilding, this season is about setting up the franchise for the next 10 years. The only way to do that is to rid the team of veterans who hinder the growth of young players and land a top three pick in the draft. The Magic, like many teams, have their eyes set on Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and Marcus Smart.
Best Case Scenario
The Magic improve to 25 wins and finish fourth in the Southeast Division. Harkless wins the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award and Vucevic is selected to his first All-Star Game.
Worst Case Scenario
Some of the team’s young talent like Harkless, Oladipo, Vucevic, Harris, and Nicholson wind up hampered by injury throughout the season and the Magic rely on practice players to be used in their rotation. They finish the season with 18 wins.
What Will Actually Happen
The Magic will finish with the second worst record in the league at 22-60. Harkless becomes a top-three candidate for Most Improved Player, and Vucevic finishes in the top five in rebounding once again. The franchise gets the first overall pick in the draft lottery next summer and selects Andrew Wiggins out of Kansas, the biggest prospect to come along since a guy by the name of LeBron James. With a lot of cap space next summer, they will also sign a top 10 free agent.
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