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Orlando Magic: 3 bold predictions for the 2020-21 season

By Luke Duffy

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 13: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks draws a foul from Michael Carter-Williams #7 of the Orlando Magic during a preseason game at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 13: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks draws a foul from Michael Carter-Williams #7 of the Orlando Magic during a preseason game at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. The Orlando Magic need to be a top-10 offensive team

On the surface, this seems a big ask for a number of reasons. Only truly elite teams with superstars can be great on both ends of the court, and the Magic are not that. With their identity built around defending at a high level, something they have mostly done during coach Clifford’s time in charge so far, being top 10 offensively seems outrageous.

Yet there is reason to not write this off completely just yet, despite how hard it would be to achieve. Continuity is a word we’re going to hear around this group all year, especially when things are going well. But it is true in the sense that the offensive schemes won’t be new to most players, even if the plays themselves could do with some tweaking.

Center Nikola Vucevic continues to improve as a 3-point shooter, and he is an All-Star level guy which the offense is built around. That’s a good place to start. Evan Fournier is in a contract year, so you’d think that the shade under 40 percent that he shot from deep last season should hold pretty firm. Even if he will forever divide fans like few other players in the league can.

Aaron Gordon is due a breakout at some point, and some genuine competition for his minutes might give him the kick he needs to be an even better shooter. After all, he has shown a willingness to shoot the 3-point shot more frequently in recent year. Terrence Ross isn’t nicknamed “The Human Torch” for nothing, while Cole Anthony looks ready to contribute offensively right away.

Dwayne Bacon doesn’t exactly move the needle, but in a more featured role his scoring could improve. That is also the case for Markelle Fultz, who looks even more comfortable shooting than he did last season. Of course offensive basketball is more than just shooting loads of 3-pointers and hoping enough go in.

But the roster is better equipped to do at least that, while the blend of Vucevic, Fultz, Gordon, Fournier and Bacon has enough about it both inside and outside of the paint to cause opponents problems. It is a big ask, but certainly something to aim for.

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