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Orlando Magic: Grading The Offseason

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 22, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9), forward Tobias Harris (12) and teammates high five against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9), forward Tobias Harris (12) and teammates high five against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Orlando Magic
Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall

The hiring of Skiles as head coach indicates that the front office is ready for this young team to start competing sooner rather than later. That’s a tall order to fulfill, even in the lowly Eastern Conference, but at the very least, the Magic made moves this summer that should help them both in the short-term and the long-term.

For next season, upgrading from Luke Ridnour to C.J. Watson at backup point guard should be a boost to Orlando’s depth. Aaron Gordon will (hopefully) return healthy, Tobias Harris’ contract situation is taken care of and now everyone can focus on building chemistry together.

Long-term, bringing in low-cost players with upside like Shabazz Napier and, of course, rookie Mario Hezonja is only going to make the Magic’s future that much brighter. In terms of the upside, athleticism, perimeter shooting and confidence Super Mario brings to the table, Orlando has plenty of reason to be excited about their new rookie, even if Porzingis would’ve been a great fit as well.

The Magic didn’t reinvent the wheel this summer and I don’t like the O’Quinn deal, but Orlando kept its young and talented core intact while bolstering it with depth, a touch of experience and even more youth. The Magic’s future lies in internal development, but the front office took care of everything it needed to this summer.

Grade: B

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Grading The Offseason

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