5 reasons Frank Vogel can lead Orlando Magic to NBA Playoffs
By John Buhler
3. Higher upside in back court than with Pacers.
While the Pacers definitely had the polished back court players of the two teams when compared to the Magic in 2015-16, Orlando’s back court has something in its favor that Indiana simply cannot claim at this time: potential and high-upside.
The Pacers had a nice back court with players like George Hill, Monta Ellis, and even the once great Ty Lawson, but that corps has essentially maxed out what it was capable of being composed entirely of NBA veterans.
Vogel inherits some interesting young players in his back court including point guard Elfrid Payton, shooting guard Victor Oladipo, and a guy capable of playing one, two, or three in Croatia’s Mario Hezonja.
Payton, like Hill in Indiana, is turnover prone, but has age on his side and can still become a solid NBA player with the right coaching. His shooting isn’t great, but he does possess great vision as a passer. Maybe he becomes a more well-rounded player under Vogel’s watch?
Oladipo went No. 2 to the Magic after three solid season playing for Tom Crean at Indiana in 2013. He has the handle to play point guard, the agility to become a great wing defender, and attacks the basket with great ferocity. Vogel will get the most out of this former lottery pick by the Magic.
Hezonja has a ton of upside and so much raw athleticism, it’s almost not fair. For some reason, Skiles couldn’t put the promising prospect in positions to succeed as a rookie. He has the potential to become a great outside shooter or a great slasher to the basket like Goran Dragic.
Orlando’s back court is still largely unrefined, but Vogel is a former point guard that can conceivably mold and shape this back court to his liking, something he just wasn’t able to do while leading the Pacers.
Next: 2. Great offensive players in the front court.