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Best- and worst-case scenarios for Orlando Magic in 2017

By Ryan Doyle

January 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel instructs against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel instructs against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Best-Case Scenarios: New Weapons

The Orlando frontcourt becomes its biggest weapon

One of the most talked about units on this Orlando team is its frontcourt.

Ibaka, Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo are three starting-caliber big men. Although Vucevic is the most skilled offensively, the idea of an Ibaka/Biyombo pairing is scary. The two are premiere shot blockers and rim protectors who could shutdown opposing offenses.

The biggest success will come if Vucevic is able to play with both of the players.

Vucevic’s struggles on defense are well documented but if Biyombo and Ibaka can fix his mistakes, Vucevic’s defense will no longer hinder the team. If that is the case, Vucevic will be able to finish more games and be a go-to option down the stretch.

Frank Vogel changes the atmosphere

The Magic brought in the high-profile coach this past offseason to push the team into a winning mindset. Frank Vogel had a very successful run in Indiana and hopes to continue his ways in Central Florida.

The continual losing is going to get to this team eventually. It is going to be a big task for Vogel to get his team to believe that they can become winners.

The best way to do that is to win!

Orlando needs to get off to a hot start and allow its players to buy into Vogel’s system quickly. Orlando has had a ton of turnover for a rebuilding franchise. If Vogel can create stability in this franchise good things will come from it.

If all of these situations come to fruition the Orlando Magic will certainly make a return to the playoffs. If the East is as cluttered as it looks to be, there is no telling where the Magic will end up but it could be as high as the fifth seed.

What if the opposite happens and the team has a poor season?

Next: Worst-case scenarios: Stops and Sputters