Orlando Magic Daily
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The Eastern Conference is a mess (it’s not just the Orlando Magic)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (right) celebrates with Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (left) after Winslow made a three point basket during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (right) celebrates with Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (left) after Winslow made a three point basket during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat

Will veteran presence be enough?

The Miami Heat have been old reliable for much of the past decade. Even in their down years, Dwyane Wade gave them a reason to matter and put them in position to make the Playoffs or be in the conversation.

Wade is gone now. The Heat face major questions about the franchise’s future for the first time since that fateful draft and certainly since their championship run.

The Heat will rely heavily on Goran Dragic, especially with Chris Bosh‘s health up in the air. The rest of the roster is going to have some difficulty filling out.

Hassan Whiteside got his big money. He is a strong rim protector and his defensive presence will keep Miami from completely bottoming out. Outside of him, Miami is hoping Justise Winslow can continue to mature offensively. And Dion Waiters is there for a featured role.

Next: The next level for Nikola Vucevic: Improving his defense

Miami could be in for a very rough year overall. But with veterans like Dragic and Bosh, the Heat will hang around. Bosh’s health will be the big question mark for Miami between contending for the Playoffs and bottoming out for the Draft to restock the cupboard.