Orlando Magic: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Best-case scenario

Of course an unlikely return to the postseason for the first time since 2012 would be the best possible outcome for the franchise. In such a scenario, emerging talent such as Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton would need to raise their games to the next level quicker than expected. Also, their two leading scorers in Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic would need to not only lead from the front, but continue to improve their overall output.

Furthermore, new pieces such as Marreesse Speights and Jonathon Simmons would need to fit in seamlessly as backups, each providing their guidance and experience having come from winning environments last season.

But most of all, after a year under his belt, coach Vogel will be able to properly place his imprint on the team, having led the Indiana Pacers to the postseason in five of the six years under his reign.

And with the current state of the Eastern Conference, pushing the 40-win barrier and nabbing a playoff spot is certainly not inconceivable.

Worst-case scenario

The Magic’s offensive woes from last season not only continue, but get worse. In his fourth year in the league, Payton’s struggles from the perimeter continue to the point where he is superseded in the rotation with the experienced pair of Shelvin Mack and D.J. Augustin.

Also, the Magic’s other rising hope entering their fourth season in Gordon struggles to adapt to the pressures of being the permanent starting 4-man. While he demonstrated some of his vast talents in the role during the latter half of last season, players’ stats can become inflated during the tail end of the season, as many teams can either be resting players, or already planning ahead for next season.

But most importantly, having brought in significant changes in the front office this offseason, if the new additions that have arrived this season fail to shine, many questions are going to be asked as to the overall direction of the franchise.

And if you are regressing in the Eastern Conference given its current state, the future is awfully bleak.