How The Bucks Compare: An Early Eastern Conference Primer
By Adam McGee
Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) during the game against the Orlando Magic at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Orlando won 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Magic
Last Season: 25-57 (13th)
Player Additions: C.J. Watson, Jason Smith, Shabazz Napier, Mario Hezonja
Player Subtractions: Kyle O’Quinn, Ben Gordon, Willie Green, Luke Ridnour, Maurice Harkless
2015-16 Outlook
The Magic’s record may not have looked pretty last season, but they have continued to build a roster that has the potential to become one of the league’s most exciting, if not one of its best.
They entered the summer with the space to make a big splash, and following a failed attempt to sway Paul Millsap’s affections away from Atlanta, they’ll return to free agency next year in hope of continuing to build upon the foundations they’ve set via the draft.
On that front, I’m not convinced it can get much better. The Magic have the option of starting a lineup this year that’s loaded with players they have drafted and developed themselves.
Nikola Vucevic may not have been drafted by Orlando, but he has been a part of their squad since he was traded to Florida before his second year in the league.
Scott Skiles in his first year as coach of the team will have the option of partnering his Montenegrin center with Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Mario Hezonja and Aaron Gordon, four very talented players all selected by the Magic in the last three years.
You’d have to feel following a lucrative extension that Tobias Harris will have more than his share of a say in that though.
All I’d hope for is that those young talents get a chance to thrive and we don’t end up watching endless minutes of Jason Smith, Channing Frye and C.J. Watson.
How The Bucks Compare
The Magic are the sort of team who could blossom and turn a lot of heads in the East if afforded the right opportunity. What’s much more likely to happen though is that the aforementioned journeymen veterans will play large roles in their season.
If that does turn out to be true, the Bucks will likely have little problems facing off with the Magic this season.
If, on the other hand, the youngsters are given free rein, now that could be a really intriguing battle.
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