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5 reasons the Orlando Magic should move D-League to Kissimmee

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic mascot, Stuff, holds a big flag against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic mascot, Stuff, holds a big flag against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic have two finalists for their new D-League team for 2018. Kissimmee’s proximity to Orlando may very well be its advantage.

The Orlando Magic will have their final year of affiliation with the Erie BayHawks this coming season. It has been a productive relationship for the team, albeit one that has been somewhat incomplete.

The Magic have wanted to have a solid one-on-one relationship with a D-League team as a means to developing young players and somewhat to park players that need some playing time somewhere close.

The Magic have used Erie to get Devyn Marble some playing time, keep several players close in their system, eventually to sign Keith Appling and get Dewayne Dedmon a game on request. But it was always difficult. Should the Magic need those players quickly, they would be in Pennsylvania and difficult to recall.

Orlando has eyed having a team in Florida for some time and just needed league approval to do so.

For the 2018 season, the Magic are expected to have that goal accomplished. The team will have its own D-League team in Florida following the conclusion of the one-on-one relationship with the Bayhawks after this season. The team has reportedly narrowed its choices to the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Fla., and the Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park in nearby Kissimmee.

Both sites present their advantages and drawbacks. And placing a D-League expansion team is not an exact science. It is not necessarily about placing a team in the largest market potential. It can be as much about where a team carries the least risk for loss. From the Magic’s perspective, the primary goal may not necessarily be profit, although it remains a consideration.

The Magic are reportedly close to settling on a final location. There may be final contracts to negotiate and some final considerations to made. The Magic will likely make a decision some time near the beginning of the season. With a more formal announcement to come.

These are two smaller markets, not exactly basketball hot beds. Why should the Magic take the leap on a place like Lakeland or Kissimmee?

Here are five reasons why Kissimmee has a very realistic shot at landing the minor league franchise.

Next: Home base