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Orlando Magic: NBA trade deadline winners and losers

By Luke Duffy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets is introduced ahead of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets is introduced ahead of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic, NBA trade deadline (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Orland Magic NBA trade deadline loser: Steve Clifford

As is so often the case when a franchise changes direction, it is the head coach who becomes the fall guy. For current Magic head coach Steve Clifford, that most certainly looks like it may be the case. Brought in initially to help the organization get back to the playoffs, he has been able to do just that on back-to-back occasions, in 2019 and 2020.

This was important for a group that weren’t particularly young, and who needed to have some sort of postseason success to point to. Winning two games across two series before getting eliminated  by the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks respectively is hardly success, but it was proof they were going in the right direction.

Clifford is the kind of head coach you bring in to get the most out of veteran players, and to maximize the talent on a particular roster. What he does not have an amazing track record of doing is having patience with youth, and bringing them along in favor of the veterans on the team.

The moment the Magic made the trade deadline deals, the direction change was clear. Coach Clifford probably isn’t the ideal guy to have in place for a rebuild, although moving the likes of Birch may actually help him to stay in this job longer. If veteran players are being moved then you have to play youngsters, which is why Clifford has so freely used Carter Jr. and even Bamba.

Despite this, it still feels like Clifford may be shown the exit before long. The fit just isn’t as clear anymore between coach and players, although the defensive discipline that he preaches could do wonders for the young guys. From a personal perspective as well, nobody likes to see losses pile up on their managerial record. Right now though, Clifford has little choice.

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