Orlando Magic: 2017-18 NBA season preview

2017-18 Roster

Arron Afflalo, SG
D.J. Augustin, PG
Khem Birch, PF
Bismack Biyombo, C
Evan Fournier, SG
Aaron Gordon, PF
Mario Hezonja, SF
Jonathan Isaac, SF
Wesley Iwundu, SF
Shelvin Mack, PG
Elfrid Payton, PG
Terrence Ross, SF
Damjan Rudez, PF
Jonathon Simmons, SF
Marreese Speights, C
Nikola Vucevic, C

Offseason Additions

Arron Afflalo (free agent, Sacramento Kings), Jonathan (No. 6 overall pick, Florida State), Isaac Wesley Iwundu (No. 33 overall pick, Kansas State), Shelvin Mack (free agent, Utah jazz), Jonathon Simmons (free agent, San Antonio Spurs), Marreese Speights (free agent, Los Angeles Clippers)

Offseason Subtractions

Jeff Green (free agent, Cleveland Cavaliers), Jodie Meeks (free agent, Washington Wizards), C.J. Watson (free agent, unsigned)

Quick Thoughts

Having failed spectacularly last summer in free agency, the Magic had a far more conservative approach to their offseason with a new front office on board. With a promising young core on board, the Magic were very pragmatic in their choice of veterans.

Arron Afflalo and Marreese Speights were each signed to one-year, veteran minimum deals. Shelvin Mack, a six-year veteran, was signed to a two-year, $12 million deal, which is more than reasonable for a serviceable backup point guard.

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Their most extravagant venture was the signing of Jonathon Simmons, an athletic swingman whose learned his trade the last two seasons under Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. Signed to a three-year, $20 million deal, Simmons is a prototypical late bloomer having just recently turned 28.

This is clearly in stark contrast to the summer of 2016, when Hennigan and the front office handed out just over $200 million worth of contracts.

Having compiled such a poor record over recent seasons means the Magic have had access to multiple high-end lottery picks. Aaron Gordon, Mario Hezonja and Elfrid Payton are all 23 years old or younger with tremendous upside, while this year’s No. 6 overall selection, Jonathan Isaac, is yet another exciting player to add to the stable of talent in Orlando.

On paper, it appears the Magic have a good mix of youth and experience. Therefore, it’s going to come down to how quickly the young talent can develop, and how effectively the veterans brought on board can help the team reach the next level.