The Scott Skiles experiment did not work last season for the Magic and they spent another year trying to develop their young core into something special. The Magic signed former Pacers head coach, Frank Vogel, as their new head coach. This summer they made some significant moves, but went in some surprising directions. They traded Victor Oladipo away to the Thunder on draft night and got Serge Ibaka. Along with bringing in Ibaka, they decided to sign Bismarck Biyombo, who had a great postseason with the Raptors. The Magic also resigned one of their own as they signed shooting guard Evan Fournier. Is this the end of the Magic rebuilding and can they make a huge leap this coming season? Here are three questions I have going into this coming season for the Magic.
What does Orlando need to do to convince Serge Ibaka to stay?
The obvious answer is winning. That is all free agents want. If the Magic want to keep Serge Ibaka, they have to show him that they are going to be a legitimate playoff team. I think featuring him often in the offense probably would not hurt either. Ibaka will have a larger role with the Magic and give him more opportunities to score. But ultimately winning is all free agents want. Orlando has to move on from 35 wins to a legitimate playoff threat while showing a lot of faith in Ibaka’s skill set. That in my mind would get the job done.
What is the identity of the Orlando Magic?
The Magic lack a true real identity, and to me locker room leadership has been a huge problem for them for years. They’ve tried to sign veterans in the past but they were never guys that could make it right when things went bad. Last year, Orlando got off to a good start but the minute things stopped going their way the youth showed they couldn’t fix it. This roster needs veterans that can show them how to win in this league. Someone like a Jeff Green or Ibaka needs to do that this coming season.
How will the Magic manage all their big men?
It is going to be interesting to see the minutes between Ibaka, Gordon, Vucevic and Biyombo. Who is going to be the odd man out? Some say Vucevic will be the odd man out but now you are taking a guy who average 18 points and 8 rebounds off the court. I think putting Gordon sometimes at the small forward position could be a possibility but still doesn’t solve the problem. It is a good problem to have a bunch of good solid big men but it is something the new Magic head coach, Frank Vogel, will have to figure out.