By Josh Cohen Sept. 6, 2016
Improved 3-point shooting or increased free throw attempts?
An arbitrary statistical goal for every team is about 25 threes and 25 free throws attempted per game. Only three teams actually reached both those figures last season (Pistons, Rockets and Clippers). For the Magic, 3-point shooting appears to be more of a focus. By re-signing Evan Fournier, making Mario Hezonja a more integral part of the team's offense and adding knockdown shooters like D.J. Augustin, Jodie Meeks and C.J. Wilcox, Orlando may have the personnel to take at least 25 threes and shoot 35 percent or higher from beyond the arc.
Opinion: Improved 3-point shooting
Rim protection or forcing opponent turnovers?
Adding Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo gives the Magic tons of rim protection. Both ranked in the top 15 in the league in blocks last season. However, Orlando also expects to force opponents into a lot of turnovers. Last year, Frank Vogel's Pacers were tied for No. 1 in points off turnovers. With so many guys who have high level instincts, agility and defensive awareness (Aaron Gordon, Ibaka, Biyombo, Fournier, Elfrid Payton), the Magic should excel on the defensive side of the floor.
Opinion: Forcing opponent turnovers
Fast break points or points in the paint?
With Nikola Vucevic in the middle, the Magic are always a threat to score in the paint. However, with so many electrifying athletes (Gordon, Hezonja, Payton, Ibaka, Jeff Green), Orlando should be able to consistently push the pace this year. This team was built with defense and athleticism in mind. They should average far more than 12 fast break points per game (average last season).
Opinion: Fast break points
Better at deflecting passes or drawing charges?
Vogel's teams have always excelled at cutting off passing and driving lanes. They've also been well-trained to take contact near the rim. In fact, the Pacers ranked No. 1 last season in charges drawn and No. 4 in deflections. With so much versatility and quickness, the Magic should be able to disrupt opponent flow. They have enough frontline depth (Ibaka, Biyombo, Gordon) to handle pick-and-roll switches and plenty of cleverness on the perimeter to knock away ill-advised passes.
Opinion: Deflecting passes
More Home or Road Win Improvement?
The Magic went 23-18 at Amway Center and 12-29 away from Central Florida last year. While they will likely need to improve both records to earn a playoff spot, road success usually separates playoff teams from non-playoff teams. This is the most veteran-savvy Magic squad we've seen since Dwight Howard's departure. That experience should help Orlando squeeze out some extra victories in hostile environments.
Opinion: Road wins
