Orlando Magic: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2019-20

2. Mohamed Bamba

Entering only his second season, it would still be unfair to expect too much of Mo Bamba this coming season. Having only played in 47 games as a rookie as a result of a leg fracture, he still has plenty of growing to do.

It is also hard to forget that, once he went down with an injury, Birch stepped into the void and the Magic ended up making the playoffs. Growing their young core is important, but the need to win games is necessary now too. Which is why, like Fultz, a breakout from Bamba can be looked at differently.

If he can double his rookie numbers in points and rebounds — 6.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game — that would be a good start. Should the organization take another step forward defensively, that will partly be on Bamba as well.

Really though if he can just reclaim his spot from Birch and take some minutes from Vucevic — 31.4 per game last season, his highest in four years — that will be seen as a modest breakout of sorts. The potential is there for more, however, and like several players in the league, offseason imagery inspires hope.

Bamba looks to have gained significant muscle to his long frame, meaning in theory he should be more comfortable defending bigger opponents in the paint. He also looks like he could be a handful when he’s attacking himself. Add in an improved 3-point stroke which looked possible even last season — 30.0 percent — and the recipe for a breakout is there.