Orlando Magic: 3 bold predictions for 2019-20 NBA season

2. Markelle Fultz to consistently contribute

We are entering uncharted territory here, especially with Markelle Fultz yet to actually suit up for the Magic. Postseason workout videos, while circulating online, have been kept to a modest showing as well. All of which is to say, it would take a brave person to predict when Fultz will return to action, let alone perform consistently for the team.

There is reason to hope though, and that is with the Magic choosing to pick up the option on his contract for the 2020-21 season. A no-brainer given that they traded not a lot for the guy and can’t give him an out in case he hits the ground running, but the timing could be seen as odd as well.

The organization were under no obligation to pick up the option at this point, and could have waited until later in October once training camps have started before making the decision. They did not do this, instead making the announcement alongside other guys like Isaac and Mohamed Bamba.

Now, this could have been done to group all of the young players together so as to not draw more attention to Fultz. It is also true that the Magic were over the cap anyway, whether or not they paid Fultz the rather hefty $12.3 million he will make in 2020-21. But it is also true that this is a front office that, since taking over, has been smart and calculated in everything that it has done.

They used the two lottery picks they’ve had so far on Isaac and Bamba, two bigs with defensive chops who look capable of being average 3-point shooters as their careers progress. They also hired Clifford, a proven veteran on the bench, to bring the young core along and instils a defensive work ethic.

They followed all of this up with bringing back Vucevic and Ross, and adding more leadership in Al-Farooq Aminu. These are people not into making wild gambles, and so far it has paid off with the franchise steadily improving. If they didn’t like what they saw in Fultz, they would move on from him quickly, because this is a crucial time in the Magic’s growth.

Instead they are sticking by him, and if he is ready to go on opening night we could see Fultz eventually rise to starting point guard ahead of D.J. Augustin. Even that feels too bold at this point, so we’ll settle for playing something like 50 games, putting up eight points and four assists in a little over 20 minutes.

Pedestrian on the surface, but bold given Fultz is the biggest enigma in the NBA since Dennis Rodman.