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Orlando Magic 2017 Season Review: What Went Right — Lessons Learned For The Future

By Ryan Doyle

Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; With less than a minute left in the game key magic players watch the game from the bench (left to right) Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Evan Fournier (10) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; With less than a minute left in the game key magic players watch the game from the bench (left to right) Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Evan Fournier (10) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) brings the ball down court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center.The Hornets won 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Patience is a virtue

This is not only the lesson the Magic need to learn from 2017 but from 2016 too. The Magic tried to speed up the rebuild and it has backfired. They are in a bad position and the future does not look bright.

In the past two offseasons, the Orlando tried to make the playoffs. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but the team has risked what looked to be a bright future for it.

It seems pretty simple: The Magic were not ready to win. But pressure to win forced the front office to make moves the team was not ready to make.

Orlando sacrificed development for short-term gains and risks. Those risks did not pan out.

The young players on this roster have not developed into the players many thought they could become. There is still time, but the Magic were unwilling to give them any more. They decided to sign veterans to try and compete for a low seed in the playoffs.

The plan to compete has backfired. The Magic are now stuck in no man’s land. They do not have a star player, they are locked into some big money deals and are back to the top of the Lottery. The process to rebuild was rushed and they are now in a terrible situation.

Next: Orlando Magic are still young and need time to grow

If the Magic want to find success in 2018, they need to be patient. They cannot rush their way to the playoffs. It is not fun to lose, but it may be the only way the Magic can get back on their feet.