Orlando Magic 2021 Roster: What the Team Looks Like with Cole Anthony and Other Additions

The Orlando Magic haven’t been the same since Dwight Howard left in 2012. They didn’t qualify for the playoffs for six seasons after his departure. But they finally broke that barren run in 2018 and have now qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

However, the rise of other teams like the Hawks and the Wizards will most likely deny the Magic a third consecutive year in the playoffs. The Magic have had a decent off-season, but it might not be enough to keep them in the hunt.

Orlando Magic: Confirmed incoming players

During the off-season, the Magic have had just one significant new arrival. With their 15th overall pick, they drafted Cole Anthony, an exciting point guard from UNC. Before the 2019-20 season began, Anthony was predicted to be a top-three pick, but injury and an underwhelming season saw him slide out of the lottery.

This pickup is a steal for the Magic, considering Anthony was still considered a late lottery pick. The only drawback about him is that the Magic needed more playmaking and Anthony only averaged four assists per game with UNC. So the rookie will have to polish his playmaking skills as the season goes.

The Magic also picked up Dwayne Bacon during Free Agency. He could end up being a decent addition, after a solid G-League campaign averaging 31.8 points per game. Their other new arrivals include Jordan Bone, Devin Cannady, Jordan Franks, Karim Mane, and Jon Teske. They also re-signed Michael Carter-Williams, Gary Clark, and James Ennis.

Orlando Magic: Confirmed outgoing players

The biggest loss for the Magic will be D. J. Augustin. While Cole Anthony can replicate his scoring and playmaking, the experience and leadership he brought to the locker room will be missed. He left for the Bucks in Free Agency after a four-year stint with the Magic.

The Magic also lost Wesley Iwundu, a young and upcoming wing player. He was a great backup who is defensively solid, but he has now signed with the Mavericks. Dwayne Bacon isn’t a like for like replacement for Iwundu but he can help fill in the gap.

They also lost Vic law, Melvin Frazier, Jr, and B.J. Johnson during the off-season.

What does the new Magic roster look like so far?

New Frontcourt

• Al-Farouq Aminu (F)
• Mo Bamba (C)
• Khem Birch (F)
• Gary Clark (F)
• James Ennis (F)
• Robert Franks (F)
• Aaron Gordon (F)
• Jonathan Isaac (F)
• Chuma Okeke (F)
• Jon Teske (C)
• Nikola Vucevic (C)

New Backcourt

• Cole Anthony (G)
• Dwayne Bacon (G)
• Jordan Bone (G)
• Devin Cannady (G)
• Michael Carter-Williams (G)
• Evan Fournier (G)
• Markelle Fultz (G)
• Karim Mane (G)
• Terrence Ross (G)

The Magic should ideally focus on a rebuild this season. It will be an arduous task for them to make the playoffs, and so they should focus on helping their younger players develop, and target a high lottery pick for the 2021 Draft.