2017 Orlando Magic

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]

Orlando Magic (Last Year: 29-53)

2017-18 Projected Depth Chart:

C: Nikola Vucevic/Bismack Biyombo/Stephen Zimmerman

PF: Aaron Gordon

SF: Terrence Ross

SG: Evan Fournier/Mario Hezonja

PG: Elfrid Payton/D.J. Augustin/C.J. Watson

NBA Free Agents:

SF-Jeff Green (UFA)

SG-Jodie Meeks (UFA)

SF-Damjan Rudez (UFA)

G/F-Marcus Georges-Hunt (TO)

SG-Patricio Garino (TO)

2017-18 Team Salary: Approximately $82.9 million

NBA Offseason Team Needs:

1. Manage the Roster: After making aggressive moves in last year’s free agency that didn’t pay off, Orlando lured John Hammond away from Milwaukee to be its new general manager. Hammond inherits a roster that could have around $20 million in cap space this offseason, which leaves him enough flexibility to add a major piece. He managed the roster well in Milwaukee, rarely over-paying in free agency and will likely look to do the same with the Magic.

2. Bench Scorer: The way their roster is currently shaped, D.J. Augustin is the Magic’s top bench scorer, and he averaged a little less than eight points per game last year. Orlando could look to add a scorer with the sixth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft but would be wise to pursue one in free agency as well.

3. Small Forward: Orlando has little in depth behind projected starting forwards, Aaron Gordon and Terrence Ross. The Magic could look to add a small forward and move Ross to the bench, which would help fill their need for a bench scorer.