Final Grade
Worse yet, the Magic failed to establish anything resembling an identity. They wanted to be a team based on defense, and they could not defend. They wanted to get the ball up the floor quickly and play with pace, and except for a week they failed to do that. Both were intertwined as the defense would have led to the quick pace — although that week was all about pace and less about defense.
This was the season the collection of talent was supposed to start looking like a team. No one seems to have any idea what the future of this team should or will look like. It felt very much like a lost year.
It was not completely lost, of course. The only saving grace was that individual players continued their individual improvement. Nikola Vucevic continued to expand his offensive game. Victor Oladipo looked like he could have that spark to be a starring player in him somewhere. Tobias Harris became a better 3-point shooter to help the Magic spread the floor.
Elfrid Payton looked like a nice piece too. And fellow rookie Aaron Gordon also showed flashes of what he can become when he puts his raw athleticism completely together.
There is still obviously a lot of work to do. The Magic have clearly started putting a premium on the team-building that they lacked this past season.
In the end, the 2015 season was one of frustration. Ultimately, the results the team wanted did not happen and there is no pretty way to say that.
" >
C-
Any way you want to slice it, the Magic did not accomplish what they wanted to accomplish this season. The modest two-game improvement in wins showed only that there was unfulfilled potential and expectation with this team. They wanted to be involved in the Playoff discussion deeper into the season and appeared poised to do so and then let it all fall apart — mostly at home in December and January.
Worse yet, the Magic failed to establish anything resembling an identity. They wanted to be a team based on defense, and they could not defend. They wanted to get the ball up the floor quickly and play with pace, and except for a week they failed to do that. Both were intertwined as the defense would have led to the quick pace — although that week was all about pace and less about defense.
This was the season the collection of talent was supposed to start looking like a team. No one seems to have any idea what the future of this team should or will look like. It felt very much like a lost year.
It was not completely lost, of course. The only saving grace was that individual players continued their individual improvement. Nikola Vucevic continued to expand his offensive game. Victor Oladipo looked like he could have that spark to be a starring player in him somewhere. Tobias Harris became a better 3-point shooter to help the Magic spread the floor.
Elfrid Payton looked like a nice piece too. And fellow rookie Aaron Gordon also showed flashes of what he can become when he puts his raw athleticism completely together.
There is still obviously a lot of work to do. The Magic have clearly started putting a premium on the team-building that they lacked this past season.
In the end, the 2015 season was one of frustration. Ultimately, the results the team wanted did not happen and there is no pretty way to say that.
Next: Complete Season Recap