Magic's Bismack Biyombo: Could be in line for starting role

Biyombo (suspension) is expected to serve as the Magic's starting center during the upcoming season, Jon Krawcyznski of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis:

The Magic were a somewhat surprising landing spot for Biyombo in free agency due to the presence of Serge Ibaka and Nikola Vucevic in the frontcourt, but it sounds as though the organization isn't necessarily keen on handing the high-scoring, but defensively limited Vucevic a starting role in 2016-17. The lengthy, high-motor Biyombo offers the sort of energy and shot-blocking presence that Vucevic doesn't provide, and Biyombo's presence in the starting lineup along with Ibaka and Aaron Gordon would likely give the Magic one of the league's most athletic and defensively-imposing frontcourts. We'll have to wait and see if the Magic seriously entertain trading Vucevic over the remainder of the offseason before feeling confident Biyombo will serve in a starting role, but given that the Magic shelled out $72 million over four years in order to get him, it's difficult to imagine Biyombo's role being marginalized in any way.