Orlando Magic: Will continuity push them to the top in 2019-20?

Storyline 1: The introduction of Markelle Fultz

It is just impossible for this not to be the dominating storyline for the Magic heading into 2019-20, because of the bizarre nature in which Fultz has missed most of the first two years of his career. Even before the footage was released this still would have been among the top storylines for the organization.

But now that they are actively promoting his involvement with the team, as well as organizing sit-down interviews, the excitement has gone to another level. It is such a change from the stance taken by the front office and coach Clifford alike, who had preached patience whenever his name was brought up in the past.

It was unclear if he would be at training camp, and the fact that many expected him not to be meant playing down his involvement on a day-to-day basis had worked. The Magic were at pains to give him all the time necessary. Given that they only gave up Jonathon Simmons (who was let go by the 76ers during the offseason) and what turned out to be three future second-round picks, this was understandable.

They created a situation where he was under no pressure, and feel so confident about the progress that he has made that they are now flipping the script. You only need to look at footage like this to see that Fultz looks happy and comfortable on a basketball court again, which is the most important thing.

What has gotten lost in the excitement, however, is the fact that the point guard position is where the Magic are at their most thin. Augustin had a career year last season, but at 31 (he will be 32 in November) and being undersized even for a guard, it is hard to see him replicating that form again. Carter-Williams has played some of his best basketball under coach Clifford, both in Orlando and with the Charlotte Hornets, but he has bounced around the league for a reason.

He will be better suited as a defensive stopper to insert into the game with the bench, which leaves the Magic crying out for a young player to pair with Gordon, Isaac and Bamba as they seek to improve on last season. Fultz has the potential to be exactly that, and he should be available for selection on opening night. Most likely off the bench.

From there, if he can give them modest scoring numbers that will be seen as a success. He will experience growing pains, in some ways he is still a rookie despite this technically being his third season, but he should also factor into the team’s assists totals (ranked 12th last year with 25.5 per game) as well.

Fans should feel nothing other than excitement about Fultz right now.