2014-15 Review

The Orlando Magic continue their youth movement as they strive to bring long term success to the franchise. The Magic mustered a mere 25 wins last season which was probably slightly worse than expected but no one thought of this team as a playoff club regardless.

There were definitely some bright spots last season as Victor Oladipo progressed nicely, Nikola Vucevic emerged as a dominant big man and Elfrid Payton proved that he could be the point guard of the future for the club. The 2014-15 season was rough; however, it was a building block for the years to come. 

New Additions

Mario Hezonja

The Orlando Magic drafted the talented Croatian with the fifth overall pick in last year's entry draft. While many agree that Hezonja could in fact be one of the most talented players in the draft class, he is viewed as being a couple years away from being an impact player in the Association.

Hezonja will see time this season with the Magic, but his minutes will likely be limited early on. This was nonetheless a solid pick for the Magic and it is one that should pay dividends down the road for the club. 

Key Losses

The Magic really didn't suffer any key losses this offseason. They are rumoured to be trying to move Channing Frye and his contract as he was a total bust last season. Frye will likely be moved to a contender and that should suit just fine as Aaron Gordon, Hezonja and Tobias Harris will help the Magic play small-ball and keep the tempo up. 

Biggest Strength

Nikola Vucevic

Vucevic is a matchup nightmare for clubs as he is just so versatile and active that few clubs can effectively defend him. Vucevic is a handful offensively due to his ability to put the ball on the floor, he crashes the boards like the best of them and he can play defense against his opponent; all in all Vucevic is a beast in the making and teams must game-plan for this young man on a nightly basis. 

Biggest Weakness

Right now the backcourt of the Orlando Magic is young and exciting in Victor Oladipo and Payton; however, as a duo they lack in terms of production. This isn't an area that the Magic will be trying to bolster as both Payton and Oladipo are still so young, although a veteran presence here would go a long way in terms of teaching for these two.

I expect both players here to take steps forward this season in terms of development but they are still a ways off from being considered among the best backcourt pairings in the league. 

Bottom Line

The Orlando Magic will improve upon their win total from last season, although it won't be by much and it won't be enough to propel them into playoff contention. They continue to develop 

Fantasy Slant

Most Overrated

Channing Frye

In terms of effective fantasy options at the power forward spot, Frye fails spectacularly. Problem with stretch four players is that some of them, like Frye, live and die with the three ball and contribute little else to their stat line.

Frye is a streaky shooter at best who only really developed himself into a stretch four while in Phoenix. He parlayed that moderate success into a new contract with Orlando where his shooting stroke has all but abandoned him. 

Most Underrated

Nikola Vucevic

Vucevic rarely gets the credit that comes along with being a consistent double-double guy who also plays solid defense. On any given night Vucevic could score 20 and grab 20 boards; he is a very active player who is really just developing his NBA physique. Considering that the options at centre are fairly limiting to start with and yet it is a hugely important fantasy position; Vucevic brings solid value and production on a nightly basis. 

Biggest Surprise

Mario Hezonja

This really comes to down to how much the Magic want to expose this kid to in his first season. If so inclined, Hezonja could see 25-28 minutes a night; however, if the Magic bring him along slowly then expect the minutes to be capped at around 18 per game to start.

This kid has all the skills to succeed here it is just a matter of time before he gets his opportunities. Given that the Magic could find themselves on the ugly end of some blowout losses; Hezonja could thrive in the garbage time. This is one player who certainly bears watching as the season progresses as he is just too talented to stay on the bench for too long.