Orlando Magic – Season Preview
Written by Mike Bibbins
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)
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.
