The 2018-19 season marked a return to the playoffs for the Orlando Magic for the first time since the 2011-2012 lockout shortened season. Orlando’s playoff run was fueled primarily by new head coach Steve Clifford’s emphasis on defense and the improvement the entire team showed throughout the season. Perhaps no players improvement was more impactful than that of first time all-star Nikola Vučević. Often criticized for his lack of defense, Vučević lead the charge in Orlando’s return to the postseason averaging 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 51.8% shooting from the field. Another key player for the Magic this season was sixth man Terrance Ross. Ross was acquired by the Magic in the 2017 trade deadline deal that sent Serge Ibaka to the Toronto Raptor for Ross and a future 1st round pick. Ross was the offensive spark not only off the bench but late in games as well. Ross was given the nickname “The Human Torch” based off of his ability to get hot in a hurry and has become a fan favorite in Orlando.
The biggest question going into this offseason however was whether the Magic would re-sign both Vučević or Ross in an attempt to continue postseason success. There were rumors swirling around that there were many potential suitors for both players and that Orlando was looking to continue to develop their young core rather than run it back. Magic fans waited nervously as free agency started on June 30th.
To the delight of Magic fans everywhere both Vučević and Ross agreed to new deals with Orlando within a few hours. Vučević signed a 4yr/$100 million dollar extension while Ross signed a 3yr/$54 million dollar deal. The Magic also signed Al-Farouq Aminu to a 3yr/$29 million dollar deal increasing their size and length and improving their defense. The Magic also added Chuma Okeke out of Auburn who has potential to be a nice three and D player. The questions for the roster are whether Orlando is going to add another guard and also where the scoring will come from The secret weapon in this equation is Markelle Fultz who was acquired at the trade deadline last year.
Returning nearly the same team as last year, The Magic can now build on what was a successful return to the postseason and make strides to becoming perennial playoff contenders once again. Orlando is ready for more Magic!
Magic Time 