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Orlando Magic Third Quarter Review: Answering the big questions

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets
Feb 7, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) attempts a shotagainst the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

What will make Orlando Magic fans hopeful for the future?

This is likely the big question for the fourth quarter of the season as much as it was for the third quarter of the season. I will likely reserve an extended answer for when I review the questions the Magic must answer in the fourth quarter of the season next week.

To say the least, the third quarter did not provide much hope for the Magic. The team traded Serge Ibaka, admitting this season did not go anywhere near according to plan. Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton floundered in inconsistency. The team just seemed to have everyone in the wrong position and wrong role.

If there is some solace, the Magic seemed to have found some better balance after the trade.

But the question still remains. Orlando has to give fans a reason to tune in next year and have to build a base for their 2018 Playoff push — or just a direction they need to head.

Orlando is still seeking an identity and how best to use the players on the roster. The Magic will be resolving this issue again in the fourth quarter this season.