Orlando Magic: 3 keys to their solid start to season
By Luke Duffy
2. The Orlando Magic have a balanced bench
If there is one area the Magic were lacking in previous years, it was their bench. It was bad enough not having a superstar to carry the load most nights, but the drop-off from somebody like Vucevic to what was coming off the bench was hurting the organization’s chances of climbing the Eastern Conference.
So far this year, however, that does not look to be a problem. With Fournier in a contract year and Gordon continuing to try and prove that he is about to take a significant step forward, not to mention Vucevic and Markelle Fultz, the starting group appears to be in good shape. They are a solid group who are all, for different reasons, and good points in their career from a team perspective.
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But now the bench has the kind of characters who fit around that starting five excellently. Anthony looks like he has that dog in him when he’s on the court, which has been lacking in this organization for a long time now. He’s going to make mistakes sure, but he has a willingness and desire when on the court to make things happen.
He also looks like he’s going to be a potentially great pro for the franchise as well, already he seems to have that something about him offensively. Given how dire the Magic’s point guard situation was for a long time, this is a great development. Terrence Ross continues to be their sixth man bomber from deep, while Okeke has shown early promise as well.
Center Khem Birch is a fan favorite for a reason, he plays with such energy defensively. So much so that Mohamed Bamba’s future with the Magic has to be murky at this point. Add in Michael Carter-Williams, a favorite of coach Clifford who can defend all five positions on the court, and you have a backup group who already are causing opponents problems.
What is also clear from this group is the balance that they have on both ends. Again something which was seriously lacking before. Birch and Carter-Williams will defend diligently and really enjoy doing so. Anthony and Ross are going to get you buckets in a variety of ways, while Okeke right now is doing a bit of both. It bodes really well for the season as it progresses.