This may be a season fans would like to forget, but that does not mean there is not anything left to look forward to the rest of the Orlando Magic’s season.
It has been a tough season for the Orlando Magic, no doubt about it. Expectations were at a certain level the team just could not reach, particularly after a surprising 19-13 start.
Currently at 29-42, the playoffs are a pipe dream at this point — the Magic are two losses or two Chicago Bulls wins away from official elimination.
But since the season is not quite over yet, there are still a few things to look forward to this season. The Magic have 11 more games left and that is not an opportunity to waste.
There is still a chance for the Magic to learn more about their roster and figure out exactly how to move forward. There is still plenty to evaluate.
Next: The finish
Victor Oladipo’s finish
This season Victor Oladipo has taken a step back production wise.
Last season, he was averaging 17.9 points a game along with 4.1 assists. The assists column did not drop much, as it is 3.9 dimes per game now. But Oladipo is only averaging 16.0 points per game this season.
His slump is just one of the reasons why Orlando only has 29 wins so far. It is not the end of the world though, because he’s been shaping up as of late.
In the last 10 games, he has collected 23.4 points, 2.2 steals, and even 1.4 blocks per game. Those are numbers he should have been receiving this whole season, but beggars cannot be choosers.
If Orlando is going to get anywhere in this league, it will be in Oladipo’s hands. Seeing him emulate the player that brought hopes up at the end of the 2015 season is a positive sign that Oladipo can round things out once again.
Next: More Mario
Mario Hezonja Minutes
The rookie from Croatia has been a roller coaster. Some nights he has proved not only he belongs in this league, but he can be a force in this league.
Other nights, he just does not provide much of anything. At 21 years old, he has still got a lot ahead of him to improve and prosper.
Granted, Scott Skiles has not been too kind on his minutes (16.5 per game) this season, but that could change now that the season is winding down and the Playoffs are out of reach.
Truthfully, Hezonja has shown everyone a sneak preview on what he can do. Now the Magic just need to see his theatrical performance.
Next: Aaron Gordon's rise
Aaron Gordon’s Rise
Aaron Gordon has finally won over Scott Skiles.
He is a starting forward, with plenty to prove. Orlando fans have much to be upset about, but if there is one thing that keeps a smile on their face, it is Aaron Gordon. Highlights and all.
In the month of March, he has averaged 11.0 points and 7.2 rebounds. His improvement is obvious, so seeing Gordon play his best will be rewarding. Gordon has been one of the Magic’s best players since the All-Star Break and a continued workhorse defensively for this team.
His development has been one of the big things of the second half of the season. The expectation for Gordon is for him to continue to grow. A confident end to the season would go a long way to continuing that upward trajectory.
Next: Those two newcomers
Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova
Trading Tobias Harris is the biggest move Orlando did all season.
Harris helped out Orlando in plenty of ways, but the trade was made for more depth on the Magic’s part — not to mention clearing cap room for what looks to be a busy offseason. So, they got sharpshooter Brandon Jennings and stretch-4 Ersan Ilyasova from the Detroit Pistons.
All winning teams have depth, and that is what Orlando wanted to become.
Jennings is a big upgrade from Shabazz Napier as a backup point guard, and Ilyasova is a nice touch now that Channing Frye is gone — also traded at the deadline.
Will these two guys stay after this upcoming offseason? Not guaranteed they will. But if they do, then it will be interesting to see how well they do this season assisting Orlando.
Essentially both players are auditioning for their next contract whether with the Magic or elsewhere. And for now, both have been a bit underwhelming.
Next: Offseason prep
Offseason
This does not technically count as something we will see in the season, but it is something to look forward to. And has already dominated the discussion as the Playoffs have faded away.
This upcoming draft class is something solid, and free agents are always buzzing.
Trading Tobias Harris and Channing Frye was also done to clear cap room. It was a smart decision, just in case the Magic do not find the gem they want in the draft and to speed the rebuild up to get to the Playoffs in 2017.
The Draft still has several intriguing options — maybe Skal Labissiere would be a good option as a backup big man for scoring and rim protection? Could Buddy Hield add the backcourt shooting the Magic need?
The Magic definitely have options to turn this team around.
Next: Wheels still spinning
Overall, Orlando is stuck in the mud. They are almost out of the Playoffs officially, but the back wheels are still spinning hard for a complete (although likely futile) escape.
True, this season was not a failure. They did not get worse by any means, but this slow improvement needs to pick up. The Magic tasted a little bit of success and hungry for more.
Next: OMD Podcast: What's left for the Orlando Magic?
There is still a bright future for this team, but the path has become a little bit murkier facing down a summer that is sure to see major changes and the pressure to create a more surefire winner.