Orlando Magic: Grading The Offseason

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Feb 22, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9), forward Tobias Harris (12) and teammates high five against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Following the hiring of Scott Skiles as head coach, the Orlando Magic had two major summer decisions to make in order to improve their extremely young core: Who they were going to take with the No. 5 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and what they were going to do with restricted free agent Tobias Harris.

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By all accounts, the Magic took care of business on both fronts as they head into the 2015-16 season. The front office is hoping another season of talent cultivation will result in a playoff appearance, which seems a bit ambitious but is certainly not impossible in the Eastern Conference.

With most of the team’s core under the age of 24, most of Orlando’s progress will need to be built on internal development. For the Magic to get better, Nikola Vucevic will have to improve his defense. Elfrid Payton will need to develop a perimeter shot. Victor Oladipo will want to expand his offense, and Aaron Gordon will need to stay healthy.

But even if Orlando isn’t a prime free agency destination (and never has been, as the unfortunate departures of Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard indicate), the Magic did a commendable job this summer despite never being in the running for the top free agents. Here’s a look at their offseason with individual grades for every move the Magic made.

Next: The Draft

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