Three Storylines to Follow
three-point shooting is at a premium in today’s NBA. Orlando needs to improve off their second-to-last ranking in 3P% from 2016-17. The addition of Speights should help off the bench, but it’s starters Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon that really hurt them from deep last year. Both Payton (27.4 3P%) and Gordon (28.8 3P%) had horrendous seasons from downtown. If the team as a whole can’t shoot (32.8 3P%) again this season, they shouldn’t expect to get any closer to their playoff aspirations.
2018 Free Agency is on the horizon in Orlando. Both Payton and Gordon are entering their final years of their contracts. Their play will determine the contracts they sign in the summer, whether it’s with the Magic or another team. With success comes free agent attraction. So with a free agent class that includes Paul George, Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, Jabari Parker and Isaiah Thomas to name a few, a surprise playoff berth and a weak Eastern Conference might attract some big-time free agents.
Incorporating Jonathan Isaac into the roster has to be a focus for Vogel and new GM John Hammond. Isaac may have the most potential in the entire 2017 Draft class but is one of the least talked about top picks. While he’s keeping a low profile now, given the opportunity he can quickly throw his name among Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Jayson Tatum.