Sports Opinion

Orlando Magic – Season Preview 

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2016-17 Results

Record: 29 – 53 (13th in the East)

Season Ended: No Playoffs

Key Additions

Draft

Jonathan Isaac (SF/PF), Wesley Iwundu (SG/SF)

Free Agency

Arron Afflalo (SG/SF), Jonathon Simmons (SG/SF), Mareese Speights (PF/C), Shelvin Mack (PG)

Trade

(None)

Key Subtractions

Jeff Green, Jodie Meeks, C.J. Watson

Projected Starters (Last year averages)

PG: Elfrid Payton (13 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast)

SG: Jonathon Simmons (6 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast)

SF: Evan Fournier (17 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast)

PF: Aaron Gordon (13 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast)

C: Nikola Vucevic (15 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast)

Key Reserves

Terrence Ross (SG/SF), Bismack Biyombo (C), Shelvin Mack (PG), Jonathan Isaac (SF/PF)

Orlando Magic 2017 Draft Picks Portraits

Major Story lines

Jonathan Simmons Signing – The Magic were having an incredibly quiet Free Agency until suddenly they were able to snatch Jonathan Simmons away from the Spurs. This was a huge deal for them and a huge loss for the Spurs as Simmons was huge for them last season.

How good can Isaac be? – Isaac is an intriguing prospect. I think he has a very high ceiling if he fills out any. I don’t think we see a ton of him this season but we should see flashes of his ability. What makes him different than an Ingram is his defensive aptitude. He reminds me of a young KG in that regard.

Mike Predictions (28 – 54) (10th in the East)

  • Jonathan Simmons averages 18+ PPG – I wanted to give him most improved player but I know how political these things can be. Simmons is a great story and the move to Orlando should be amazing for him. He’s looking hungry in the preseason and should be in for a breakout year.

Josh Predictions (29-53) (11th in the East)

  • Jonathan Isaac All Rookie 2nd Team – Throughout the preseason, Isaac averaged ~ 7 pts, 3 rbs, and one assist, steal, and block. I think this is pretty indicative of his skill set and what he’ll bring to the league — long player who can do a little bit of everything. I think he’ll start off the season slow coming off the bench, but by the end of the year, I think he’ll be one of the better rookies overall.
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