The Orlando Magic are starting their 2013-2014 season still trying to rebuild a team that not too long ago was a title contender and a top tier team in the Eastern conference. The truth is, they are not as good without Dwight Howard and perhaps Howard is not as good without them. Howard was the best defensive presence of his time; he could control the paint whenever he chose to and brought energy to the fans and his team with his monster dunks. This is a new season with new pieces and the hope that maybe this team can make its own memories and build a new legacy.

  The team consists of veteran player, some of which played on the Orlando squad that won the Eastern Conference in 2009. Then there are the young players still looking to make a name for themselves and one stellar rookie that could be the face of the franchise for years to come. The starting line-up is not exactly set yet, but right now the starters are evident.

  The starting Point Guard for the Magic will be the same as it’s been since 2004. Jameer Nelson, the one constant for the franchis,e has spent his entire career in Orlando. The former All-star played only 56 games last season due to knee injury. He averaged 14.7 points per game while averaging 7.4 assists and 1.3 steals. These were better numbers than Nelson has put up the last few seasons, yet his shooting percentages dropped mightily. He was under 40 percent from the field for the first time in his career while averaging a career high in field goal attempts (13.9). He also had the most turnovers he’s ever had in his career with 2.8 per game. Nelson will have to increase his efficiency and stay healthy for there to be any success in Orlando.

  The starting Shooting Guard position might be more of a mystery that won’t be solved until after preseason. Right now the nod would go to Aaron Afflalo. He has the most experience and started for the Magic last year. Afflalo averaged 16.5 points last season through 64 games, yet he was not as consistent as his team would like him to be while getting big minutes, as he would sometimes fail to put up big numbers. In some games, he didn’t even put up double digit scoring performances while playing just under 40 minutes. The biggest problem for Afflalo is that he is a veteran in the league, but he does not have the ability to hold off rookie Victor Oladipo. The first year player, Oladipo was the 2nd pick in this year’s draft. He was perhaps the only can’t miss pick in the 2013 draft class. He is an extraordinary athlete with immense talent. He was the NCAA co-national defensive player of the year for the Indiana Hoosiers and might have be the most efficient scorer in this year’s draft. He is definitely the preseason favorite for rookie of the year.

  In the Small Forward starting role it will most likely go to 15 year veteran Hedo Turkoglu. Turkoglu, like Jameer Nelson, was on the Magic team that went to the NBA Finals. He only played 11 games last season and with his age the grind of an 82 game schedule may get the best of him. Look for the Magic to make an attempt to add depth to the roster at this position at some point this season.

  At Power Forward the starter may be up in the air, but so far it looks like last year’s breakout player for the Magic, Tobias Harris will get the starting job. In his 27 games with Orlando, Harris averaged 17.3 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. Glen Davis, who was also having a stellar season for the Magic last year before injuring his foot, will see playing time as well.

  Arguably the most intriguing player on the Orlando Magic would be the starting Center Nikola Vucevic. He has given the Magic fans a glimmer of hope at the position since Howard left. He was second in the NBA in rebounding last season (11.9) and also led his team with (1.03) blocks per game. He also averaged 13.1 points per game. In his last seven games, he averaged 19.4 points per game. This will be Vucevic’s 3rd year as a pro and after a significantly improved season, people may be thinking All-star bid.

  The dream of a playoff spot this season may be out of reach. The top five spots are already taken by the Bulls, Heat, Pacers, Knicks and Nets. The next three could be anybody, but most likely won’t be the Magic. Improved teams like the Pistons, Cavaliers and Wizards in the east will be a factor. The best Orlando can hope for is the 10 spot this year. With Oladipo and a potential star in Vucevic, the Magic should be improved, but with a lack of depth, no real game closing player and still a relatively inexperienced Head Coach in Jacque Vaughn, the team will continue to go through growing pains, but the future is bright.