Can Orlando Magic Answer One Major Question This Season?

The Orlando Magic have all of its pieces in place for the beginning of next season including new head coach Sean Sweeney, but one question remains at large:

Can the Magic have a healthy and impactful season?

In the past few seasons, when it seemed like the Magic had the season going in its favor, injuries derailed the progress. This was especially showcased in the first round against the Detroit Pistons last season when Franz Wagner went down, hurting the chances of advancing.

In the latest episode of the Full Court Magic Podcast, host Don Strouble and I discussed the major storylines we learned this offseason heading into Orlando Magic Media Day. Here’s what we had to say: 

On expectations for the roster's postseason potential and health:

"I hate to sound like a pessimist, but last year felt like the year that the Magic had all their chips in place and were going to make a strong push for the finals. It doesn't feel like this year they have that same kind of momentum going in. Sure, Sean Sweeney is coming in as a new coach, but as a first-time head coach coming in with a young roster, you need to build some continuity. I think that's what Jeff Weltman wants: to keep this roster intact for at least the foreseeable future to build that continuity, which can lead to more consistency and eventually one big breakout year. It's hard to have that same feeling going into this season given the fact that some of the Magic stars have taken a small dip, especially in efficiency and scoring.”

“Regarding health, that's a toss-up. We can't predict whether the Magic are going to be healthy or not the entire year, but from what I've seen the past few seasons, there's going to be a few nicks and bruises along the way. Going into the playoffs, can this Magic team be healthy? Does it really change much if Franz Wagner was healthy against the Detroit Pistons? I know they use the excuse that they lost because they didn't have him, but if you're up 3-1 in a playoff series, you need to find a way to get the win—not having him is no excuse. Going into the second round, it probably wouldn't have made a difference. We need to see what this Magic team can do when they're all playing together; there is size and athleticism, but we need to see how they can make it happen." 

“As for how that impacts the Magic, they really didn't make any major moves. The best they did was a reunion with veteran center Nikola Vučević, and I'm curious to see how he's going to be able to impact the Magic in terms of bench scoring and perimeter shooting. I know he's developed into more of a perimeter shooter, but it's nothing seismic for the Magic. What I've learned from the Magic this offseason is that Jeff Weltman is very confident in his core. He didn't feel the necessary push or necessity to make a massive move in the offseason and trade for another superstar—trade Jaylen Suggs, Anthony Black, or anybody of that caliber for another guy who can contribute—because he feels confident. This core is young, athletic, and knows how to score the ball. Can they put it all together, stay healthy for a season, and give a real push in the playoffs instead of getting knocked out of the first round for a fourth year in a row?"