NBA Magic enter new season with a familiar roster sprinkled with just a few new faces
6-10, F
Last season: No. 1 overall pick a year ago, earned unanimous first-team All-Rookie selection and named league Rookie of the Year after leading Orlando in scoring (20 points) with 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Best season: N/A — second-year player
Fit: The key cog to Orlando’s offense who can create shots for himself in various ways — off the dribble, cut, spot up and through contact — and others because opposing defenses will load to him. And he has the vision to locate open shooters.
6-4, G
Last season: Averaged 14 points, 5.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 29.6 minutes (60 games) after missing the first 21 games due to a fractured big left toe.
Best season: 2022-23; Although he played more games (72) in 2019-20, Fultz showed how important he is to Orlando. The Magic went 29-31 in the 60 games with him following a 5-16 start without him. All stats listed above were career highs.
Fit: The starting point guard who provides stability and calmness on offense while also a solid on-ball defender in space.
6-10, C
Last season: Continued an upward trend as a scorer for Orlando, averaging a career best 15.2 points but only played in 57 of 82 games because of strained right plantar fascia — the soft tissue under the foot — and hip pain.
Best season: 2022-23; Improved in key offensive areas, including 2-point (62.4%) and 3-point accuracy (35.6%), and is more involved as an offensive hub.
Fit: Does the little things such as screening open ballhandlers, distributing and helping cover the rim. Can hit the occasional 3 from the right corner.
6-10, F
Last season: Saw an uptick on offense from rookie season and finished second on the team with 18.6 points while adding 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Best season: 2022-23; Asked to play more on-ball to start the season due to various injuries in backcourt, adjusted seamlessly once guards returned. Continued to progress as playmaker and defender to record high marks in young career.
Fit: Effective off-ball as a cutter and shooter, will continue to make plays for Orlando after seeing what winning a championship takes at FIBA World Cup with Germany.
6-5, G
Last season: Closed out the second half of the year strong after once again dealing with injuries, including to his right ankle. Averaged 9.9 points, 3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals.
Best season: 2021-22; Despite finishing second year on high note, the No. 5 pick recorded better numbers as a rookie. During 2022-23, saw a decrease in points, assists and free throw accuracy.
Fit: Serves as high-level defender who can defend in space. Will be asked to shoot 3s though his accuracy is below par (32.7%).
6-7, G
Last season: Started all 36 games as primary point guard at Arkansas. Averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds with a freshman school record 74 steals before being selected No. 6 overall in June’s draft.
Fit: Black could be in backcourt rotation from Day One off the bench, but likely needs more time to develop offensively to be a two-way threat. Steady defender with length at guard position, has switchability, plays disciplined defense and strong at contesting without fouling.
6-3, G
Last season:Thrived coming off the bench in his third season. Finished with averages of 13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting a career high 45.4% from the field.
Best season: 2021-22; Despite shifting to a new role as reserve last year, Anthony led Magic in scoring (16.3) and assists (5.7) while making 65 starts.
Fit: More of the same as last season, barring injuries to starting backcourt. Creates offense for himself best and will help handle the ball for the second unit as a sixth man.
Kevon Harris
6-6, G
Last season: Two-way player who made impact with G League team and during NBA opportunities thanks to defensive effort. Took advantage of bigger role in G League and figured out his role in Orlando.
Fit: A defensive disruptor off the bench who provides good size and switchability, allowing the Magic to stick with shooters off ball screens. Shot 37.2% from 3, which is slightly above the league average. In Osceola, will create offense and score with more minutes.
6-6, G
Last season: Followed up 2022 G League MVP campaign by averaging 22.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on a two-way contract with the Pacers. Appeared in 7 NBA games but was waived after G League season ended.
Fit: High-effort bucket-getter who uses his athleticism to create his own shot. Earned Orlando’s final two-way spot ahead of regular season so will see more time with Osceola Magic. Has grown as defender and passer but the NBA requires him to reach another level.
6-4, G
Last season: Missed the first 15 games while recovering from left knee surgery after tearing cartilage but still averaged 8.3 points on 43% shooting from 3-point range in 48 games. Oldest player on team at 29 before Joe Ingles’ arrival this season.
Best season: 2017-18; Averaged career high 17.5 points with 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds during fourth year in Denver.
Fit: A catch-and-shoot 3-point specialist who is vital to a backcourt that lacks shooting, especially from deep. Also can defend his position in space.
6-10, F
Last season:Made long-awaited return after 2-plus years off the court but only played 11 games in Orlando before undergoing season-ending surgery in March to repair a torn left adductor muscle (inner thigh). Averaged 5 points, 4 rebounds.
Best season:2019-20; Despite knee injury that cut season short, averaged 2 blocks and 1 steal with 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in 34 games.
Fit:If he can remain healthy, can be defensive game changer for Orlando but that’s a big if based on past.
Joe Ingles
6-9, F/G
Last season:After 8 seasons in Utah, joined Milwaukee Bucks and averaged 6.9 points on 40.9% shooting from 3-point range to go with 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds.
Best season:2017-18; Started and played in all 82 games while shooting 44% from beyond the arc. Although scored slightly more in 2018-19 and 2020-21, still averaged 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in career-high 31.5 minutes.
Fit:While best years are behind him, will provide Magic with accurate shooting from deep range which is badly needed. A veteran with significant playoff experience.
6-8, G
Last season: A Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, averaged 14.2 points while leading Michigan with 78 3-pointers. Finished third on team with 59 assists and fourth with 19 blocks in 29 starts.
Fit: A sharpshooter with serious range, will be asked to wait for the ball to come to him during his first season in Orlando. Versatile and athletic, uses size towards advantage at guard position on the offensive end. Has to maximize it defensively, especially when it comes to rebounding.
6-5, F
Last season: Had two-way contract converted to standard NBA contract in February after becoming key part of rotation. Returned to team on another two-way deal.
Best season:2022-23; Averaged a career-high 4.2 points while shooting 45.1% from the field in 37 games.
Fit:Will see more opportunities with Osceola in G League where he can develop. A hard worker on defense, most of his shot attempts come on catch-and-shoot opportunities. A strong finisher at the rim (1.4 points per possession).
6-8, G
Last season: Despite scattered playing time (15.9 minutes over 51 games), found his role very quickly. Majority of shots taken were catch-and-shoot 3s (91.9%). He made 33.8% of his overall 3s and isn’t a threat inside the arc (or at the rim) despite size.
Fit: Continue to develop as a true 3-and-D player and improve in his shooting. The defensive ability is better than anticipated coming out of college. His work and effort doesn’t always show up in box score.
6-11, C
Last season:Served as Orlando’s backup center and made an impact off the bench. His averages of 10.5 points, 1.5 assists and 19.5 minutes were career highs.
Best season:2022-23; Not only did he embrace his role as the backup center but he excelled in it. Plus, he filled in as starting center during key portion of season in December.
Fit:Physical, reliable and can provide a jolt of energy in a reserve spot. Will irritate opposing players.
6-8, F
Last season: Started the season as part of rotation but eventually lost that spot due to left knee ailments and lack of improvement as a shooter.
Best season: 2021-22; Also his most available season playing in 70 games while posting career high averages of 8.6 points, 5 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
Fit: A strong defender. Will have to improve as a shooter and stay healthy to fight for minutes. Needs consistent play to secure future given the plethora of 6-8 guards/fowards on the roster.
6-11, C/F
Last season: Signed with Orlando after being waived by Pacers in mid-February. Made most of playing time (15 minutes per night in 17 games) with the Magic to average 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Best season: 2021-22; Averaged career high of 7 points with 3.5 rebounds in 50 games played with most starts made (16) in Indiana.
Fit: Will battle for backup center position but could see time in big reserve lineups with Moe Wagner. Entered the league with expectations of being a rim protector who can spread.
Coach Jamahl Mosley
Enters third season at the helm Orlando with his healthiest group from the jump. Emphasizes defense, which can be difficult for an NBA coach with a young team. Expect to see more offensive wrinkles, too.
