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Orlando Magic: 5 reasons to be excited for 2018-19 NBA season

By Luke Duffy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Orlando Magic talks to Mohamed Bamba #5 during a timeout during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on October 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach Steve Clifford of the Orlando Magic talks to Mohamed Bamba #5 during a timeout during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on October 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
(Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

5. Magic should be more competitive

It may seem like an obvious place to start, but one reason to be excited about this coming season is the fact that Orlando are just going to be better each night. While the emphasis still isn’t on winning big, it will at least make them more fun to watch each time they take to the court.

Too many times over the last five seasons you would tune in to League Pass with the best of intentions to watch them play but want to switch over by halftime. On a larger scale, this meant games being meaningless from Christmas onwards.

Again nobody is expecting Orlando to become contenders this season — not even close to it. But taking part in more games that are closer before another trip to the draft lottery will ensure fans stay engaged for longer.

Despite another disappointing campaign last year, the Magic still had the 17th-highest attendance in the league — not bad for an organization that had no real direction and was destined to hit the lottery again.

On paper alone, their defense, 3-point shooting and versatility all figure to be improved, which will make the product on the court better as well. Couple that with a head coach in Clifford known for how he wants his players to defend, and the Magic will be a tougher out each night.

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