Orlando Magic: 3 bold predictions for the 2020-21 season

The Orlando Magic are back with the same core who closed out their time in the bubble, but they have the ability to surprise again this season.

If there is one team that is hard to define coming into the season, it is the Orlando Magic. We say this because it is clear they did not make the same improvements and changes to their rosters that those around them did, which is a concern.

But they have an element of continuity that other organizations should be envious of. There might not be anything particularly cool about that, but the pieces are already in place to play competitive basketball and have been for some time now. The positive there is that everybody knows their roles.

Factor in the drafting of Cole Anthony, who fans are already taking a shine to, and the shrewd addition of Dwayne Bacon, and there’s actually a lot to like with what the Magic have on their roster. It is not championship quality, not even close, but head coach Steve Clifford, now in his third season at the helm, will have them playing competitive basketball on most nights.

Earmarking bold predictions for this group then is difficult, because their goals are already pretty clear. This is a franchise that wants to get back to the playoffs for the third straight year, and if they could avoid an elite team once they get there in round one, that would be brilliant. Sadly though, that is not going to happen.

So whereas in previous years making the postseason would have been among the most bold goals, and although it is far from guaranteed, with many feeling they are going to slip out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference this coming season, that will not be making an appearance on this list. No, we’re going bolder this year, but in a different way.