Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Orlando Magic 2017-18 season primer: Success attracts free agents

By Pierce Dennis

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York.
GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. /

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.

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