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The 2014-2015 NBA season for the Orlando Magic brings eight new faces to the franchise, including three rookies and five veterans. After a very subpar year with a final record of 23-57, Orlando’s front office decided to make some (or maybe a lot of) moves. Here’s a breakdown of each newcomer:

  1. Evan Fournier is a 6’6” shooting guard acquired via trade for Arron Afflalo. With only two years of experience under his belt (both in Denver) Evan is raw talent that should explode in Orlando. He should receive more playing time in O-Town so he will have ample time to prove that he belongs on this roster. He is a very streaky shooter but he appears to be a decent ball-handler, so he can bring the ball up court if the press is being used. Oh yeah, and he’s only 21 years old.
  2. Channing Frye is a 6’11” power forward that has eight years of experience playing for New York, Portland, and most recently Phoenix. Frye’s game is shooting threes. Whether it’s rolling off a screen or a set play to get him open, you will always find him lurking around the perimeter. Keep a close eye on him on fast breaks as he tends to stay back at the top of the key to catch and shoot if the lane is closed.
  3. The first of the two Gordon’s on this team is Aaron Gordon, a 6’9” power forward out of the University of Arizona. Aaron had a decent summer league and many are anxious (including myself) to see how good he will be when the season begins. His biggest concern is his shooting, which he has been working on all summer.
  4. The second Gordon is a ten year veteran out of the University of Connecticut: Ben. Ben Gordon is titled as a three point specialist, though his numbers have been slipping in recent years. Last playing for Charlotte, Ben brings a veteran voice to this very young locker room after the departure of Jameer Nelson. Don’t expect a ton of minutes from him. Look for him to be coaching up Oladipo and Fournier.
  5. Another veteran the Magic welcome this season is Willie Green, a 6’3” shooting guard that has been in the league for eleven years. I don’t really understand this signing due to the fact that we have several guards on the roster and the money we are paying him, but obviously Rob Hennigan and Jacque Vaughn see something in him that I don’t. Perhaps more veteran leadership?
  6. Roy Devyn Marble is next on the list. At 6’6”, Marble can play either guard or forward in the Magic’s system, something that the Magic really love to utilize (Tobias Harris is a prime example, playing at both forward positions). His above average summer league numbers landed him an NBA contract, but don’t be surprised if he spends some time with the Erie BayHawks, the new D-League affiliate of Orlando.
  7. Elfrid Payton (yes, he is related to Gary Payton) had an extraordinary summer, so look for him to get good minutes at the point guard position. (See more about him here)
  8. Last but not least is veteran point guard Luke Ridnour, an eleven year player out of Oregon. As a pass-first point guard, look for him to coach Payton and Oladipo throughout the season, much like Ronnie Price did last year.

This upcoming season shows lots of promise. The development of the young players will be the key to a successful season, and Jacque & the gang are ready to tackle another year. Magic Nation needs to be ready too! The first game of the regular season is at 8 PM on October 28th against the Pelicans in New Orleans.