2017 Orlando Magic Preview: Eye on the Playoffs

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May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic chief executive officer Alex Martins talks with media after they introduce Frank Vogel as their new head coach at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. What are the goals for this team?

The Orlando Magic want to make the Playoffs. Plain and simple.

The team is in the longest Playoff drought in franchise history. In the Magic’s 27-year history, they have missed the Playoffs four consecutive years just one other time. That was the first four years in the franchise’s history.

If there was an impetus for the franchise-changing moves the Magic made, it is this drive to return to the Playoffs.

If that takes 45 wins, the Magic need to get 45 wins. If that takes only 38 wins, that will be enough to be a success.

Orlando just has to get in. The team does not have to win a series. The Magic just have to get in. From there, they can figure out how to get better and make more noise. For now, mediocrity is a worthy goal after four years in the dark.

The Magic, to their credit, made an interesting bet to get there at any cost.

They know 10 of the top 11 teams by defensive rating last year made the Playoffs. Trends like that run through the last few years of NBA history. Defenses make the Playoffs.

So the Magic are going to bank on having an elite-level defense and bank on that helping them accomplish their goals.