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The End of the “Process” for the Orlando Magic

By Zach Palmer

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Victor Oladipo, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the Orlando Magic 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Lessons learned

The question is will the Magic learn from the lessons of their past? Will ownership continue to try and intervene in basketball operations over their basketball minds? This happened and is still currently afflicting the Sacramento Kings, who have been out of the playoffs for 11 straight seasons.

Rob Hennigan himself has to shoulder some blame as well. He put together a team that most of the basketball world knew did not fit together and expected them to win.

The modern NBA is a game that revolves around shooting, ball movement, and quickness. Hennigan rarely added pieces in free agency that filled holes for his team. He routinely blocked his own players’ development with his free agency addition.

The Magic had a plan, it seemed, and they departed from it. Their idea and grand vision were correct. Their execution and patience to see it through were lacking.

Orlando did not fully trust the process. The franchise wavered and panicked, trying to seize the first opportunity to improve rather than waiting for their investment to pay off.

What the Magic need to take away from this entire era is that the process is important.

The next general manager the team hires needs to be able to see his vision through. They take their time to come up with a vision for a team and sold the organization on it. The organization must let the general manager do their job unimpeded, so long as they show progress.

Next: The Orlando Magic's season in three charts

Patience is a virtue. That is the lesson that the Magic need to take away from the Rob Hennigan era.