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Orlando Magic Daily Podcast Episode 77: National perceptions with Ricky Scricca

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Arron Afflalo #4 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Arron Afflalo #4 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As the Orlando Magic begin another season, their national reputation is seemingly at an all-time low. That might be most important for the team to repair.

The Orlando Magic do not have a great national reputation these days.

It is hard to blame anyone for being down on the Magic after five years of a failed rebuild. The Magic are very much an afterthought around the league. Not even, seemingly, enough for proper ridicule.

The national perception of the Magic is a negative one.

Kevin Durant recently used the Orlando Magic as an example of a franchise that could not get its act together as he fended off criticism about the Golden State Warriors’ “super team.” Other national outlets have gone so far as to suggest the league should contract the Magic.

That idea is just plain silly considering the market forces in Orlando. But it is hard to ignore the sentiment.

Even the players seem to be aware of the disrespect.

Arron Afflalo arrived in Orlando ready to silence any national doubters who did not put the Magic into the Playoffs. Mario Hezonja was full of bluster tagging the team #Warlando and ready to fight for respect in the city and the national conversation.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

These things do not matter. Ultimately wins will create respect for the team. But, at the same time, the lack of national respect does have an effect on the Magic and their ability to improve. Their work is cut out for them.

A few weeks ago, our Ricky Scricca wrote about the Magic’s fight to regain national respectability. It is a multi-faceted issue that has deep repercussions for the Magic and their quest to improve. It hurt them some in free agency.

The Magic are clearly focusing on themselves to try to improve themselves on the court as the season gets set to begin. But they appear to have at least a few eyes on what their perception is around the league and how to improve it.

At least, we have an eye on that as the Magic media and people who think about the long-term future of the franchise.

To further explore these issues before the season begins, I discussed the Magic and their national perception with Ricky Scricca on the latest episode of the Orlando Magic Daily Podcast:

On This Episode:

  • A quick recap of Thursday’s preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks
  • What is the state of the Orlando Magic’s national reputation?
  • How can this Orlando Magic team regain respectability if they are going to struggle to make the Playoffs?
  • How key is it to have players who want to be on the Orlando Magic like Arron Afflalo and Marreese Speights?
  • Why are Orlando Magic fans obsessed with national perception?
  • Did the Orlando Magic miss out on any chances to change this perception in the last five drafts?
  • What is the potential for the Orlando Magic to continue building through the Draft?
  • What do you want to see from the Orlando Magic this season?
  • What are the expectations for Jonathan Isaac?
  • How improved can the Orlando Magic’s bench be?

Thanks to Ricky Scricca for coming on the podcast to discuss his article and give his thoughts on the upcoming Magic season. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @scricca1.

Next: Talking Southeast Division with Strictly Hoops Talk

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