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#2 Aaron Gordon believes the Orlando Magic will enjoy a strong season
Entering last season, the Orlando Magic had failed to qualify for the playoffs since the departure of Dwight Howard back in 2012. However, after another inconsistent start to the season, the Magic put together a stunning run after the All-Star break, eventually finishing 7th in the standings.
Aaron Gordon was once again among the Magic's best performers and the 23-year-old believes his team is in a strong position as they gear up for the new season:
I know everybody on the team is excited to get started and having the same coach again is going to be huge. Knowing that we have somebody that we can rely on and trust, that should lead us to another great year.
Gordon has spent his entire career with the Magic and averaged 16.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season.
#3 Victor Oladipo 'proud' of his teammates who left the Pacers
The Indiana Pacers lost plenty of talent over the off-season as Thaddeus Young, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Cory Joseph all left to sign bigger deals with rival teams. However, despite being disappointed at losing a number of his co-stars, Victor Oladipo told the Indy Star that he was 'proud' of his former teammates:
It’s bigger than just basketball with those guys. It’s about building relationships. When you’re with guys for two long years you build relationships and you build friendships that will last forever... They’re all going off and doing their own thing, big things, special things and I’m proud of them.
Oladipo himself is expected to miss the rest of 2019 due to injury. However, the two-time All-Star is expected to return shortly after the turn of the year, and his presence could be key as the Pacers look to reach the postseason.
