The sounds of bouncing basketballs and swishing nets echoed throughout Amway Center’s practice gym Tuesday afternoon. The Orlando Magic just finished practice, and a few players hoisted shots toward nearby baskets. Coaches and support staff walked back and forth.



Jeff Weltman, the Magic’s president of basketball operations, took a seat on courtside bleachers. Hired in May 2017, Weltman recently started his second full season with the team. With full authority over basketball decisions, Weltman’s task is to complete a rebuild that first started in 2012.



Weltman and general manager John Hammond spent their first year in Orlando evaluating the team they inherited. Wrecked by injuries, the Magic went 25-57, and Weltman and Hammond fired coach Frank Vogel. In May, the Magic hired Steve Clifford as their new coach.



On Wednesday night, the new-look Magic will open their 2018-19 regular season at home against the Miami Heat. With tipoff just hours...