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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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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts after missing a crucial 3 point shot during the closing seconds in the second half of a basketball game against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center. The Pistons won 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Regression

No professional team ever wants to speak about regression, but it is a real issue every year in the NBA. Some players just fail to reproduce the former year’s success, and as a result teams have to adjust.

Consistency in reproducing and building on a prior years’ success is usually expected from All Stars and superstars. The issue is the Magic currently have no one that fits that category just yet.

Superstars are able to change their games and do something outside their comfort zone to help the team win. It is hard to ask a developing player to do the same and the Magic are loaded with those type of players.

The Magic also have a very talented bench composed of playoff-experienced veterans. FanSided’s Sir Charles In Charge ranked the Magic bench 10th in the NBA. That is quite an achievement based on current projections for them to finish as a lottery-bound team.

The starters received very minimal support, ranking an abysmal 23rd from Bleacher Report and a similarly low rating from CBS Sports. With such a wide margin of contrast, it is not unimaginable to believe the bench may outplay the starters (depending on who starts as well).

This may cause a bit of regression from the Magic young players if they fail to adjust to new roles under head coach Frank Vogel.

The Magic expect players such as Elfrid Payton, Aaron Gordon, Mario Hezonja, Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic to improve on last year’s performances and statistics. But logjams and high expectations may doom the Magic’s playoff chances this upcoming season, holding some players back.

Next: The Eastern Conference