Previewing the Orlando Magic heading into the 2020-21 NBA season

The 2020-21 NBA season is a few weeks away and training camp is underway. The Orlando Magic squeaked into last season’s playoffs as an eight seed but lost their best player — Jonathan Simmons — to a season-ending knee injury in the process. This could be a trying year for the Magic in the rapidly improving Eastern Conference. Can Orlando Stay ahead of the competition despite having little to no star power? Here we’re going to take a look at the Magic’s offseason, plus look ahead to the 2020-21 season.

2020 offseason

Key additions

Cole Anthony, PG (draft)
Chuma Okeke, PF (signed from G League affiliate)
Dwayne Bacon, SF (free agency)

Key losses

D.J. Augustin, PG (free agency)

2020-21 odds

Title odds: +20000
Win percentage: O/U 43.5
Cole Anthony ROTY odds: +4000

2020-21 roster

Depth Chart

PG: Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Michael Carter-Williams
SG: Evan Fournier, Michael Carter-Williams, Terrence Ross
SF: Terrence Ross, James Ennis III, Aaron Gordon
PF: Aaron Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Chuma Okeke
C: Nikola Vucevic, Mo Bamba, Khem Birch

Roster battles

Backup PG: Cole Anthony vs. Michael Carter-WIlliams
6th man: Cole Anthony vs. Michael Carter-WIlliams

Fantasy basketball

Best Sleeper

Chuma Okeke — Aminu is out indefinitely but Okeke is perfectly of filling in for him at either forward spot. Okeke missed all of 2019-20 because of a torn ACL he suffered during his final collegiate season at Auburn. His defensive prowess and offensive versatility helped him get selected as the No. 16 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He’s efficient from three and will likely have a key role in the rotation with Jonathan Isaac out for the year.

Likely Bust

James Ennis — Ross didn’t start a single game last season but ranked third in points per game. He should split small forward minutes with Ennis this season and is easily the better offensive threat between the two.