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What the Detroit Pistons’ competition did this offseason

By Steven Bryant

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 28: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives against the Detroit Pistons on March 28, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 28: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives against the Detroit Pistons on March 28, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 23: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles against Al-Farouq Aminu #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter during their game at Moda Center on March 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 23: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles against Al-Farouq Aminu #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter during their game at Moda Center on March 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic didn’t really do much to shake up their roster.

They re-signed Nikola Vucevic to a four-year deal. Terrence Ross re-signed with another four-year deal. The team also added Al-Farouq Aminu with a three-year deal.

Markelle Fultz is on the roster, but it hasn’t been indicated when he’ll next step onto the court. The status of the former first overall pick has been quite a hot topic since he was drafted.

The Magic will be pretty in-line with their performance last season. They are bringing back a fairly similar roster as the year prior. Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and D.J. Augustin are a few faces that will likely round out the starting five with Jonathan Isaac and Vucevic.

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Mo Bamba and Isaac are two players that could be difference-makers if they make a step forward this season. Bamba’s progress had been hampered last season by a tibia fracture that ended his season early last year after just 47 games. He played just one game in the summer league before the team exercised caution and shut him down for the remaining games.

Isaac, on the other hand, started most of last season, averaging nearly 10 points per game. The third-year big man also spent time as part of the Team USA Select Team as Team USA prepares for the FIBA World Cup.

Vucevic is coming off a career year that saw the eight-year veteran grab his first All-Star appearance. He averaged an impressive 20.8 points per game and 12 rebounds per game. He shot .51/.36/.78 from the field. Vucevic has done his own FIBA World Cup training as he hopes to take Montenegro all the way.

The Magic’s young core will look to make back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since the beginning of the 2010s.

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