The Orlando Magic really have something great going for them with their current roster. The combination of Nikola Vucevic (4yr /$48M), Tobias Harris (4yr/ 64M), 2014-2015 rookie standout Elfrid Payton (2yr/ $4.9M with a team option on the proceeding two), Victor Oladipo (3yr/ $14.9M), and the Croatian rookie Mario Hezonja (2yr/ $7.6M) makes this young crew look extremely impressive and may even exceed the potential that the Josh Smith-era Hawks had. With only 4 players with +5 years of NBA experience on the roster, as well as how much each individual player is improving year to year, this team can become a power house in a couple years as long as everything goes right.
The obvious proof of how well Orlando's rebuilding process is currently going is shown in the big man Nikola Vucevic. While he doesn't get much mention media-wise, this Swiss-born center has grown immensely throughout his four year NBA career. He's constantly growing as a threat on offense, even going as far as to post a near 20 PPG, 10 REB stat line last season. If Nikola somehow manages to improve even more next season, an All-Star spot won't be enough to credit him on his success. The next piece of the puzzle would definitely be Tobias Harris, a cocky, young small forward with All-Star potential. His stat sheet boasts 17.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, which is nothing to gawk at considering how he plays at one of the toughest positions in the modern NBA. While his abilities are well beyond most players in the league, he has a serious issue with being both too confrontational and arrogant. If anything, this will hold him back more than it should. Hopefully he can mature and reach his fullest potential.
Now for the younger guard duo. Coming into their 2nd and 3rd years, Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo have both managed to surprise the league in their own unique ways. Elfrid's astounding ability to slash to the rim is only complimented by his leaping ability and his impressive court vision when in traffic. At 6'4" this point guard can take opposing guards off the dribble like a young Deron Williams. He also has some moves inside the paint to squirm and pivot his way to a basket which is pretty odd for a point guard, especially one at his age. He can basically do a bit of everything, and his 8.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds a game mirror that statement. Oladipo is also an odd ball in terms of play style. While is also a do it all type player, it's obvious that Victor is the better scorer between the two. Another aspect that separates him from other 6'4" players in the league is his insane athleticism, allowing him to dunk on big men that appear to be double his size at first glance. His 17.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game only help pad what can be considered as the duo for Orlando's future.
With Aaron Gordon and the recently acquired Shabazz Napier (Traded by Miami Heat) coming off the bench, There will definitely be some energy coming off the bench. Add that with the resigning if veteran Channing Fry (4yr/ $32M), and you have a group for the upcoming season. My expectations are for this team to end up in the 9th or 10th spot in the Eastern Conference next year, and even higher expectations of being a playoff team in the next three to four years as long as they keep all these young pieces together which will be an a tough enough challenge on its own. Still, Orlando is a team that may show up top-tier teams during the season and show the rest of the league how impressive these young players really are.
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