The Orlando Magic are in the proverbial NBA purgatory — a lower-level playoff team that can’t push past the true juggernauts of the Eastern Conference. In fact, they haven’t been able to get past the first round since 2010.
Now, with promising forward Jonathan Isaac out for the 2020-21 season with a severe knee injury and team leader Evan Fournier appearing to want out of Orlando, it may be time for a rebuild. Or at least a ‘re-tooling.’
Magic Roster Additions
| Player | Transaction |
| Cole Anthony | Draft (15th) |
| Dwayne Bacon | Free Agency (CHA) |
Biggest Acquisitions
- Cole Anthony: The scoring-minded Cole Anthony will replace the departed D.J. Augustin in the Orlando Magic’s rotation, particularly with incumbent starter Markelle Fultz playing surprisingly well last season and the Magic re-signing Michael Carter-Williams. Anthony averaged 18.5 points and 4.0 assists per game for the North Carolina Tar Heels as a freshman in 2019-20.
- Dwayne Bacon: Dwayne Bacon could be a better scorer than he’s gotten a chance to prove at the NBA level, as he averaged 31.8 points per game in the NBA G League in 2019-20 and has a career average of 25.7 points per game (30 games) over the last three seasons. If so, it’ll go a long way towards helping Orlando’s woebegone offense.
Magic Roster Subtractions
| Player | Transaction |
| D.J. Augustin | Free Agency (MIL) |
| Wesley Iwundu | Free Agency (DAL) |
| Melvin Frazier | Free Agency (OKC) |
| B.J. Johnson | Free Agency (PHO) |
Biggest Losses
- D.J. Augustin: 12-year NBA veteran D.J. Augustin had been a reliable playmaker and tertiary scorer for the Orlando Magic over the years although his perimeter shooting left a lot to be desired. First-round draft pick Cole Anthony has what it takes to more than replicate his predecessor’s production but Augustin’s headiness and experience aren’t as easy to replace.
- Wesley Iwundu: Wesley Iwundu is a talented wing defender that could help any team situationally. In theory, Dwayne Bacon will be an improvement over Iwundu; not because he’s a better defender but because has greater scoring potential.
