It’s something the Orlando Magic haven’t done in six years. This year could be a different story in the sunshine state. Here’s three reasons Orlando will make the playoffs this season.
Bold take, right? Yes, we all know how the Orlando Magic have been sputtering in place for pretty much this entire decade. We know how they’ve had five coaches in the last six years, no stars and no chemistry and have made bad front office decisions. The whole nine.
However, as the roster is currently constructed, this team has talent across the board and enough potential to make the climb into the Eastern Conference playoff chatter come April.
On this roster you have: Aaron Gordon, a young star who could be the first Magic player to average 20points per game in a season since Dwight Howard. He was close last season and looks to take this next step in his development, just like he has every season prior.
You also have Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba, two extremely long and athletic big men (although Isaac will play the three or four) who have massive two-way potential and are both set to be cornerstones of the franchise someday if both can stay healthy, which admittedly, in Isaac’s case, isn’t guaranteed.
They have two young veterans in Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic, 25 and 27 in age respectively, who have both been top three in scoring for the team the last two seasons.
Terrence Ross and Jonathon Simmons, who both come from winning traditions with their previous franchises, are both tall, athletic wings who can score the ball with ease and guard 1-3 on any given night.
They also have a new coach in Steve Clifford who is defensively minded and knows the Eastern Conference like the back of his hand. They have a budding “toughness” identity and seem to have a lot of chemistry with each other.
However, doubt remains. This team is far from battle tested and is very young. They are relying on injury-prone players who haven’t sniffed playoff success yet in their careers and will need some luck on their side.
Staying healthy will be one as Magic players missed a combined 200 games last season. Isaac and Ross both couldn’t make it past game 27 last year and their presence on the floor will be tantamount to Orlando’s success.
Another aspect of luck that came the Magic’s way will be the death of talented teams in the Eastern Conference. But can they take advantage of it this season? This might be the most wide open the playoff race has ever been on the east side and if the Magic can win around 40 games, they might have a chance at sneaking in.
With all the doubt surrounding the team, things are starting to look up in Orlando and this season could bring surprising success for this squad. Talent, good coaching, a smarter front-office and team chemistry all look to be on their side going into the 2018-19 season. Here are three reasons why the Magic will make the playoffs this year.