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5 questions the Orlando Magic face in the season’s third quarter

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Bismack Biyombo (11) high five against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Bismack Biyombo (11) high five against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14), forward Serge Ibaka (7), forward Aaron Gordon (00), center Bismack Biyombo (11) and guard Evan Fournier (10) huddle up against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

What will make Orlando Magic fans hopeful for the future?

The Orlando Magic did a lot of selling this offseason on the Playoff dreams. Vogel repeated it at the open practice and the players squarely made it their goal.

As that dream seems to be quickly fading and the Magic transition to something else, the question becomes what will their goals be for the rest of the season and what will they do to continue drawing fans into the Amway Center?

Yes, this is still a business. That might have had a lot to do with the Playoff push to begin with. Four years is the longest Playoff drought in Magic history and the franchise is at its lowest, most inconsistent point in its short history.

As the team begins to shape its future, what will they sell the fans on?

Aaron Gordon is a great start. Another dunk contest performance could certainly draw a ticket. A big trade will also up the curiosity. But these are all short-term solutions. The Magic eventually will have to put a product on the floor fans will want to see. And the constant losing — and not even threatening a Playoff spot — is going to wear on longtime fans.

that might explain some of the urgency for this season. And the depth of its failure.

Next: Orlando Magic must make choice and move on

Something on the court is going to have to give fans hope for what is an increasingly murky future for the team. And what the Magic do on the court this quarter could help set the Magic in that direction.