Orlando Magic Rookies Adjusting to NBA

The 2014 NBA rookie class is one of the most popular classes in recent memory. This class is projected to welcome future All-Stars into the league and help teams with losing records land a star player to turn things around. The Orlando Magic have struggled the past few seasons but they are hoping that changes in the coming years. They put a lot of focus on the draft, in hopes of slowly rebuilding their team by revamping their roster a little each year.

Three of their newest additions are rookies Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton and Devyn Marble. Many were shocked when the Magic selected Gordon as the No. 4 overall pick since players like Julius Randle, Marcus Smart and Dante Exum were still available. Philadelphia 76ers fans were even more shocked when Elfrid Payton was drafted to their team. It was announced shortly after that the Magic were trading the rights to Dario Saric and a two future draft picks for Payton. Marble was selected in the second round and traded to Orlando along with Evan Fournier from Denver for Arron Afflalo.

One of the reasons Magic GM Rob Hennigan drafted Gordon and Payton was because of their defensive talents. They also played together on the USA U19 World Champions last summer and had great chemistry, which appealed to the team. Both players fit the team’s plan to focus on defense to create future success.

“We are entering year three now. We have spent the last couple of years turning over the roster and trying to create a culture that serves as a foundation that we want to be about,” Hennigan said. “Our hope is that this year we start to branch out and create an on-court identity that can create momentum for us. It starts with playing smart basketball, trying to be efficient, trying to be physical at all positions and all areas of the floor, being unselfish and starting with defense. We want to be a defensive-minded team and we hope over time our defense can be our anchor for us.”

Gordon and Payton’s defensive mindset coincides with Magic guard Victor Oladipo’s style of play. The young guard spent his rookie season learning, growing and improving his game on both ends of the court. He won two Rookie of the Month awards and was the runner up for Rookie of the Year. Last season, Oladipo spent his time playing both guard positions but with Payton now on the roster that may change. Oladipo will most likely stick to the shooting guard position while Payton transitions to an NBA point guard but don’t be surprised if they switch back and forth.

Oladipo and the rookies seem to be on the same page and are all eager to start playing some games.

“Vic is ready to lead and I’m ready to follow,” Gordon said.

Adding Gordon and Payton to the Magic’s lineup will help the team develop a strong defense. The departure of players like Jameer Nelson and Arron Afflalo created opportunity throughout the roster for minutes but left questions on how they will perform offensively. Veterans Luke Ridnour, Channing Frye (out indefinitely, sprained MCL), Ben Gordon and Willie Green were brought to Orlando to pick up the load and help develop the rookies and the other young players.

So far training camp has been good for the Magic rookies. They are learning and slowly adjusting. One of the hardest task when entering the NBA is improving strength and conditioning and learning how to take care of the body after practicing. Payton learned this in the first couple days of training camp.

“I cramped up at the very end [of practice],” Payton told Basketball Insiders. “I talked to the trainers and they said it wasn’t the hydration it was just the pounding and I have to get used to it.”

Magic players and coaches seemed very pleased with Payton’s progress and perseverance. During his college career he showed his speed, lateral quickness and the ability to get to the basket. He has shown the same qualities during training camp but also shown he can play under control.

Gordon, the youngest player in the 2014 NBA Draft, says he is already seeing the differences between college and the NBA but nothing has really surprised him.

“It’s much more condensed. It’s difficult. I’m glad I’m back to being pushed. You feel like you need to work hard and set up your game,” Gordon said. “Nothing has surprised me. The amount of talent out there on the court is not surprising, it’s the best league in the world.”

Head coach Jacque Vaughn says his rookies are making mistakes but he likes the way they respond the situation and holding themselves accountable. The transition from college to the NBA can take a mental and physical load on the rookies but the Magic plan to bring them on slowly and appropriately.

The rookies only have a few days left of training camp before playing their first preseason game against the Miami HEAT on Tuesday Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET.