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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have invested heavily in the returns of Nikola Vucevic, Terrence Ross and Aaron Gordon over the past couple of seasons. Perhaps it speaks to the market — Orlando, being on the NBA fringe, is willing to spend big to retain a competitive team, even if it limits upward mobility.

There’s not a ton of room for Orlando to improve. The offense is finite in its potential. Vucevic will space the floor and showcase his deft touch at the rim, but expecting back-to-back All-Star seasons is bold. Gordon might not take another major leap forward.

Jonathan Isaac is Orlando’s biggest x-factor — the one player who could vastly exceed expectations in his third NBA season. Standing in the vicinity of 7-foot, Isaac is a mouthwatering defensive prospect, with the length and quickness to defend all over the floor.

While not to the same degree as Philadelphia, the Magic have a big lineup. Isaac will play small forward and, while it’s not his most natural position, there’s unique defensive potential regardless of his spot on the floor. If Isaac takes a leap, this projection will fall flat on its face.

There’s also Markelle Fultz, who’s expected to participate fully in training camp and preseason. Until Fultz hits NBA threes on a regular basis for more than a couple weeks, it’s difficult to buy into the narrative some fans have latched onto. Until we’re given reason to think otherwise, he’s still an unknown.

For Orlando, of course, Fultz is a flier. He’s a rental that might work out, not the first-pick investment Philadelphia made a couple years back. The Magic should give Fultz opportunities, and he’s an intriguing asset. If Fultz finds any of the magic he showed at Washington, then yes, this projection could again fall flat on its face.

Final record prediction: 40-42, Miss NBA Playoffs