The Orlando Magic as an organization and team are under tremendous pressure this season. Several players though will feel the pressure more acutely.
The Orlando Magic’s upcoming season is going to be chock full of pressure for the team and for the players.
The Magic have missed the Playoffs the last four years, tying the franchise’ longest Playoff drought. They spent a significant amount of money and cashed in a significant amount of resources to put together this roster. They hired a strong new coach with lots of success in the NBA to guide the team.
The table is set for the team to take a major step forward. And it has to.
No one may be under more pressure than Rob Hennigan. He took some measured risks and big moves to reshape the roster and achieve that goal. Should the team struggle, his seat will get mighty warm as the organization and fans are expecting to see progress form their 35-win team.
The 2017 season should not be a referendum on the Magic’s rebuild as a whole. But it very much could be a decision point for several members of the Magic’s supposed core. The team is clearly trying to make the Playoffs. Seemingly at all costs.
At this point, the Magic have done everything they can to the roster. The franchise’s building is done for the most part. It is now up to the players and the coaching staff to make good on the talent the team has.
That is ultimately what every team comes down to, right? The players have to play and perform well. With Frank Vogel inking a fresh four-year deal and having a strong reputation around the league, he seems pretty safe. His job is simply to guide the Magic as best he can.
The pressure for this season is squarely on the players. Several players are at turning points in their careers, are getting challenged in ways they have never been before and have to deliver victories for the first time in their careers. There are players on contract years needing to make their mark and plenty of opportunity.
Ultimately, everyone will be judged by their team success though. How they fit into the roles the Magic have for them will determine just how successful many of their careers.
Orlando is relying on several players to take a step up this year. The Orlando Magic’s projected starting lineup will be under the microscope more than most.
Next: Rookie done paying his dues