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Orlando Magic: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

By Chris Murch

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Orlando Magic talks to Mohamed Bamba #5 during a timeout during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on October 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Orlando Magic talks to Mohamed Bamba #5 during a timeout during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on October 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. Magic post their best record since 2015-16

The 35 wins the Magic captured in 2015-16 have set a benchmark for every team since, and they have all failed to accomplish this task. It makes sense given that former GM Rob Hennigan traded away a future All-Star in Victor Oladipo and a yearly fringe All-Star candidate in Tobias Harris during or after this season, and since then, the Magic have under-performed. This year could re-write the 2010s for this beleaguered Orlando squad.

As the roster is currently constructed, this is the most talent a Magic squad has had since Howard’s exit in 2012. They now have a franchise cornerstone in 23-year-old Aaron Gordon, professional scorers in Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross, a career 15 and 10 center in Nikola Vucevic, budding young talent in Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba, a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate in Jonathon Simmons, endless length at every position and a solid bench.

The potential on this roster is high. Now it’s up to Steve Clifford and company to cultivate it to reach its full potential.

This team finally seems to have an identity as well. In drafting Isaac and Bamba the past two seasons, the name of the Magic game is length and defensive versatility. In the preseason, Clifford has preached toughness to this young squad. No longer does he want to see the Magic be “easy games” for opponents. He wants fear to run through opponents’ minds when the Magic are in town, and the players seem to be all on board

Winning 35-plus games is realistic for this Magic squad. This doesn’t mean making the playoffs, but it means improving. A new attitude and new talent will go a long way in re-establishing this team in the Eastern Conference and moving away from bottom-feeder status. Look for this team to jell early and set a new precedent.

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