NBA Southeast Division Preview: Orlando Magic (Q&A)

Before the start of NBA training camp, we’ll be doing Q&A pieces with writers and editors who cover each team from the Southeast Division, respectively. Since the Miami Heat are no longer considered ‘championship contenders’ after the departure of LeBron James, the Washington Wizards, along with a few other teams, could potentially rise in the division standings.

The Orlando Magic are undoubtedly one of the most intriguing young teams in the NBA. With a core of players consisting of Victor Oladipo, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Elfrid Payton and Arron Gordon, the Orlando Magic have the potential to become one of the best young teams in the league.

In order to learn more about the Magic, I contacted Zach Oliver (@ZachOliverNBA), editor of FanSided’s Orlando Magic Site–Presto in the Paint. Zach has been covering the Magic for quite some time, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding Orlando, the Southeast division, and of course, the Washington Wizards. Enjoy.

Ben Mehic: Last season, the Orlando Magic won just 23 games and landed the fourth overall pick in the draft, which turned out to be Aaron Gordon. Unlike most people, I think the Magic could improve this upcoming season, despite losing some of their key veteran players, most notably Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson. Am I being irrational, or could the Magic actually surprise some people?

Zach Oliver: I don’t think you’re being irrational at all. Look, this team lost it’s best player from last season, yes, but they’ve taken a step in other areas, I think. They’re really buying into it on the defensive end, and while they weren’t horrible there last season, they weren’t great, so I think improving there will help a ton.

Also, having Nikola Vucevic and Tobias Harris healthy will go a long way for the team. I’d also imagine that Victor Oladipo takes the next step in his development, which will be huge for the team. I think we’ll see improvement from the team overall, and that’s the big thing at this point. Now, I’m a little more optimistic about things than some, but that’s why they play the games, right? 

The Southeast Division doesn’t necessarily have a ‘championship contender’, but it is stacked with a few very solid teams, including the Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. Where do the Orlando Magic fit in that group? What are some reasonable expectations for the Magic this upcoming season?

This season, I’d say the Magic are destined for another fifth place finish in the Southeast, but that doesn’t mean they won’t improve. They won 23 games last season, and were absolutely abysmal on the road, which I think will change some this season. I mean, it seems like it’d be hard to win just four games on the road again.

I think that three of the team’s in the division got better in some fashion, with the Heat obviously getting a little worse — I don’t know if you heard, but they lost this guy named LeBron James. He’s P good at this basketball thing. As for fair expectations this season… I’d say anywhere from 28-35 wins would be considered a win for the team. It shows they’re taking the next step, and I have faith that their young guys will continue to grow this season. 

Besides drafting Aaron Gordon and acquiring Elfrid Payton on draft night, what moves did the Magic make this off-season that excited you the most? (Besides signing Luke Ridnour, of course.)

I am excited for Luke Ridnour ’cause now I’m not the only person excited for 80 degrees in the winter! But, I like the Channing Frye signing quite a bit. I have a soft spot in my heart for stretch fours, and I haven’t read, or heard a single bad thing about him yet, so I know he should be a good guy to have around.

Other than that, Evan Fournier is interesting. I think he can take the next step and brings some nice versatility to the team as a secondary ball handler and shooter. Plus, he’s had some nice performances for France during the World Cup, which excites me a little more. 

Speaking of Aaron Gordon, the Orlando Magic will be on my NBA League Pass ‘must watch’ list, just because they should be super fun to watch. Give us your thoughts on Gordon and Orlando’s young core.

Story time. I was privileged enough to be at the arena during the draft, and Aaron Gordon called into the media and the second thing out of his mouth was “I’m ready for a playbook to start working.” That right there made me know the team made the right decision in selecting Gordon fourth overall. Yes, he needs a lot of work and it’s going to take some time to really show, but he can be really good in the league, and I don’t think you can overall his advanced level on the defensive end already. Plus, he’s 18 still (I feel old).

Outside of Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Oladipo, Harris, Vucevic and Maurice Harkless are all very interesting young pieces. They all have areas that they need to work on, and I think they’ll all continue to grow in a big way this season. While they might not have their “superstar,” they have guys who could turn into real complimentary pieces and bring forth a very balanced attack for years to come if they stick together. 

And finally, from an outsider’s perspective, what should we expect from the Washington Wizards this season and the division as a whole?

PSA: I love where the Wizards are going. I think letting Trevor Ariza walk was a good move, and I think Paul Pierce‘s addition will be big for some of the younger players. Marcin Gortat is a national treasure (just like N’Sync’s Pandora station), and I’m glad I got to listen to some of his stories at Orlando Summer League.

I like the balance they have on the roster, and think Bradley Beal is going to take a big step forward this season. John Wall is something else, and is just so excited to watch play. Yes, okay, I like the Wizards this season.

As for the division… I think Washington or Charlotte could take that step forward in catching Miami, but I still think the Heat take it. Look, I know they lost LeBron, but they still have Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, which seems pretty good to me. People really seem to forget just how good Bosh was in Toronto, and I think he’ll return to that form this season with a bigger role.

After them, I’d say Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando. Health will be a big factor for all three of the Wizards, Bobcats and Hawks, but if they can stay fully healthy, I could see all three getting into the playoffs. Of course, with the Hawks that means the current tire fire gets figured out and fast…But that’s for another day.

The Southeast might be the best division in the East again based off of overall play, but being matched up with Cleveland and Chicago could be problematic.

Again, I want to thank Zach Oliver (@ZachOliverNBA) for taking the time to answer my questions. Please follow him on Twitter and check out Presto in the Paint for everything Orlando Magic basketball.