The Orlando Magic were in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 30-35 before the 2019-20 season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Washington Wizards were 5.5 games back of the Magic in the standings, so it appeared Orlando was on its way to making the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
As has been the case for the past few years, the Magic were led in scoring by All-Star center Nikola Vucevic. He was averaging 19.5 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 47.0 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from beyond the arc, and 78.1 percent from the free throw line.
Aaron Gordon was once again robbed in the Slam Dunk Contest, this time by Miami Heat swingman Derrick Jones Jr. and NBA legend Dwyane Wade, who gave the Magic star a score of 9 out of 10 despite Gordon jumping over Boston Celtics giant Tacko Fall.
Despite the bad taste of All-Star weekend, Gordon was having a great season for the Magic. The 24-year-old was putting up 14.4 points and shooting 43.3 percent from the field.
The best story for the Magic this season, though, was the play of former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz. After barely playing in his first two seasons in the NBA because of injuries, Fultz appeared in 64 games for the Magic before the coronavirus pandemic. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
Orlando believes in the youngster and everyone in the NBA is just happy to see Fultz playing basketball again after his pro career got off to such a strange start with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Magic were bitten by the injury bug when rising star Jonathan Isaac suffered a severe sprain and bone contusion in his left knee. Whenever the NBA returns, Isaac is expected to be able to play for Orlando. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.9 rebounds in 32 games this season before going down with his injury.
Magic fans are hoping the season resumes so they can support their team in the playoffs again. However, as each day passes, it feels like the 2019-20 season is going to end up getting canceled.
If that happens, here are some moves Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman can make to improve the team.
3. Re-sign D.J. Augustin
Augustin dealt with a left knee bone irritation ailment and missed quite a few games. However, when he played, D.J. was the calming force on offense the Magic needed.
Augustin averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 assists for the Magic in 49 games. He's the perfect guy to mentor Fultz and back up the 21-year-old. Orlando can also start Augustin if Fultz can't play.
2. Sign Langston Galloway
Galloway shot the heck out of the ball with the Detroit Pistons this past season. The Louisiana native shot 39.9 percent from beyond the arc. He's the type of shooter the Magic need alongside Gordon, Issac, Vucevic, and Fultz.
The Magic made 710 3-pointers before the season was suspended. Their output from distance would increase dramatically if the team was to sign Galloway, who already has a rapport with Augustin. The two are very close friends off the court.
1. Sign Harry Giles
Giles has loads of potential and he may need a change of scenery to unlock it. The 22-year-old put up 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings this season.
Giles has suffered multiple knee injuries, but he's still able to explode to the basket. Ideally, the Magic would like to start Fultz, Evan Fournier, Gordon, Vucevic, and Issac next season, with Augustin, Terrence Ross, James Ennis III, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Mo Bamba coming off the bench.
Orlando could throw Giles into that second group, giving the team another young, high-energy athlete who can run in transition, rebound and block shots.
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