Zach’s Off-Season Grades For The Magic

Good job, good effort. The Magic made a valiant attempt to force their team into the next stage of development but they fell just short.

The Magic were close, oh so very close to taking that “leap” this offseason. The news the Magic offered Paul Millsap a max contract had Magic fans everywhere up in arms with excitement and anticipation.

Fans were on Twitter constantly refreshing their phones for updates on the situation, fearing they could miss the big news.

Unfortunately, the dream did not come to fruition as Millsap decided he would rather return to Atlanta for less money but with a better chance to win. Sadly, Orlando’s three years of losing without much improvement hung them to dry in the Millsap sweepstakes.

After Millsap was off the market there were not any guys left that filled the role at the four spot Orlando needed. A stretch power forward who would also be a stout defender.

With the Millsap pipe dream stymied it was time for the Magic to do some house cleaning. What to do with Tobias Harris, Kyle O’Quinn and Willie Green? (The Magic had already traded Luke Ridnour and waived Ben Gordon).

The Magic decided to bring back Harris, do a sign and trade with Kyle O’Quinn which sent him to New York, and seemingly let Willie Green walk. They also traded Maurice Harkless for dirt (turns out essentially for Shabazz Napier) and reportedly signed Summer League standout Keith Appling to a partially guaranteed deal.

Next: The other big decision -- the coach