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5 reasons the Orlando Magic could miss the playoffs in 2017

By Kenneth Oliver

Dec 13, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) high five against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) high five against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Chemistry

The Magic have one talented team on paper.

They are rather big in size. They have energy guys, offensive low-post scoring guys, 3-point-shooting guys, rim-protecting guys, high-flying, slam-dunk guys and all the other traits and talents a fan could want from a playoff bound team.

But, what happens if the team fails to play cohesively as a unit?

In 2003, the Los Angeles Lakers assembled what should have been an automatic title on paper in Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, Karl Malone and Shaquille O’Neal. The outcome? Not so good. A stunning finals loss to the Detroit Pistons. The results of a disaster season saw all the aforementioned names, but Kobe Bryant gone the next year.

Ouch.

Four eventual Hall-of-Famers unable to secure a NBA title.

The Magic do not have the top-end talent of that team. But that Lakers team’s failure shows the precariousness of team chemistry to success.

That is exactly what could happen to the Magic if they fail to reach the postseason because of lack of chemistry.

Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon, two third-year players, will have the magnifying glass focused on them this year. They will be held more accountable for the team’s success as their workloads increase. Both players are expected to become key contributors on offense and defense.

Anything short of the playoffs will be labeled a failure for them and change their career’s trajectory.

The tough part for both will be learning a new system and getting into rhythm with all the newcomers to the Magic. Orlando turned over nearly half its roster. That is a lot of new faces to meet.

It is understandable to have learning moments along the way, but missing the playoffs due to chemistry issues could trigger another round of young players leaving Central Florida next summer.

Next: Regression