For the fifth consecutive season, the Orlando Magic begin training camp with so many new players that the coaches might need to call roll before practice.

If there's one thing the Magic have been willing to do lately, it is change. They do this because of Grant Hill's injury hardship, as well as their philosophy to tie up long-term cap space only to the right players.

For all the change, however, the identity of the franchise has remained the same. They have been smarter than most teams but lacking overall in athletic talent. They have scored plenty but relied too heavily on jump shots. They have failed to show the toughness -- mental and physical -- required of a true contender.

So much change for so little change.

This season has the potential to be different. When Magic Coach Doc Rivers opens camp Tuesday for players with less than four years of experience, he will begin the process of trying to mold a younger, more athletic and more versatile unit. The Magic are not exactly oversized and brute, but this should not be the same old team. A change in personnel finally should result in a change in the overall product.

"Size-wise, we're as balanced and equipped as we've ever been under Doc," Magic General Manager John Gabriel said.

Everyone must wait to see if difference equals victories, but after three straight first-round exits in the playoffs, something had to be done.

In the off-season, Orlando added six players to the roster. By the time training camp is over, a seventh new face, probably another point guard, likely will join the group. This squad will be the youngest in team history. The average age of the 14 players with guaranteed deals is 24.9. Even by season's end, that number will increase to only 25.5. Final rosters have not been set, but the Magic are projected to be one of the five youngest teams in the league this season.