This is probably the most realistic assessment of the Magic and their current situation. They are stuck in a massive rebuild with great intent and ambition. But have had some bad luck strike — both in the market for Dwight Howard and the poor Lottery luck of last year — and are now kind of stuck.
Throw on top hiring a coach that was in a bit over his head and some miscalculations in reshuffling veterans on the team and the Magic are probably behind schedule.
They need Lottery luck to make the rebuild work. Either that or just eat their cap and go for the Playoffs, hoping they can trade their way back into contention.
Next: Matt Dollinger, Sports Illustrated