Orlando Magic: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Strength No. 2: Roster depth

For the first time in a long time, the Magic actually have a bit of depth to their team, and this will help them win extra games this year.

Beyond the typical nine- or 10-man rotation, the team also has guys like Marreese Speights, Khem Birch, D.J. Augustin and rookie Wesley Iwundu. None of these is a starting-caliber player, but considering they won’t even be part of the second unit some nights it does show the surprising depth now on the team.

So much so that it would rival any of the seven or eight teams at the bottom of the Eastern conference, meaning a playoff spot could be attainable.

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Birch will likely see some time in the G League, but in limited preseason minutes he displayed a willingness to work really hard for the team, especially defensively.

Meanwhile Speights and Augustin (who did have a poor season last year) can spend time on the court with rookies or jump in to help maintain a lead with their veteran experience.

It is no longer on the likes of Evan Fournier and Gordon to prop up the hopes of this team. Now guys like Simmons, Shelvin Mack, Isaac and Birch can all come in at different times and help.

They’re still going to lose close games and be fairly beaten by better teams, but this roster looks like it can absorb and injury or two, as well as a player going to the bench.