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3 reasons for Orlando Magic fans to smile this holiday season

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic reacts as he is introduced prior to the game against the Miami Heat at Amway Center on December 17, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic reacts as he is introduced prior to the game against the Miami Heat at Amway Center on December 17, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 15: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks greets Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic after the game at Amway Center on December 15, 2021 in Orlando, Florida, Reasons for Orlando Magic fans to smile this holiday season. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Reasons for Orlando Magic fans to smile this holiday season: 3. This rebuild feels right

The first rebuild after Dwight Howard left did not go well, to say the least. Rather than totally lean into youth, the Magic traded for guys like Brandon Jennings and Serge Ibaka. They signed Bismack Biyombo to a large deal and traded away Tobias Harris. Years of failure never landed a top pick, with Victor Oladipo second overall in 2013 being the highest they got.

Other lottery picks included Gordon (now with the Denver Nuggets), Mario Hezonja (back in Europe), and Elfrid Payton (now with the Phoenix Suns). The draft rights to Domantas Sabonis, who himself is in many a trade rumor right now were also moved as part of that Ibaka deal. Heck, the Magic could have also had Dario Saric, but his draft rights were moved to get Payton’s.

But all of that changed when the organization decided to start over and do things right under the watchful eye of a more experienced front office. Now they have a player in Cole Anthony who, in his second season, is a legitimate candidate for the Most Improved Player award. His energy and personality are all over the Magic as well, not to mention his father Greg Anthony, who has seemingly united the Twitter fandom.

There is Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner (more on him later), and Carter Jr., and even Gary Harris has come on hugely recently. Both he and R.J. Hampton may end up plying their trades elsewhere in the long-term, but if nothing else, they certainly have trade value.

The fact that the Magic got Carter Jr., a pick that turned into Wagner, and still likely have a second first-round pick to come from the Chicago Bulls is a masterstroke.

This is a rebuild done correctly, with lots of losing, but with no corners cut. There is a clear path to getting better, with financial flexibility down the road assured, as well as the possibility of trading multiple assets to land a young star.

Even veteran Terrence Ross has trade value. The Cleveland Cavaliers might be getting all the praise right now, but the Magic are on their way to relevancy.

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