Highlights of the 2015-16 Orlando Magic schedule

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Feb 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Maurice Harkless (21) is congratulated by power forward Kyle O’Quinn (2) after he made a basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 93-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Happy Returns

Nov. 25 vs. Knicks
Dec. 18 vs. Trail Blazers

The Magic really only had two losses from last year’s team — Kyle O’Quinn and Maurice Harkless. Both will make just one appearance at the Amway Center this year and both relatively early in the season.

Both O’Quinn and Harkless were at one time seen as interesting pieces as part of the Magic rebuild. They were young players willing to work hard and grow within the Magic system.

Something went wrong somewhere in the process though.

Harkless fell out of favor at some point in his third season to the point where he simply could not get off the bench. He went from a rotation player and spot starter in his first two years to stuck on the bench. He never really got a chance last year.

Jan 10, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) drives the baseline against Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Magic eventually unloaded him for virtually nothing — a second round pick so heavily protected there is no chance the Magic will receive it. Really, Orlando did him a favor to give him a chance to play for a Blazers team retooling a bit.

O’Quinn played well enough to earn the four-year contract he received from the Knicks. He had already outplayed what the Magic were probably willing to pay him entering his third year.

Like Harkless though, he eventually fell out of favor. His passing and defense were unique skills. But Dewayne Dedmon’s emergence and impact defensively made O’Quinn completely expendable.

It will be interesting to see what reception both players get in their lone trips back to Orlando in the 2016 season.

Next: The dreaded home and home