Year: 2017

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic Grades: Boston Celtics 118, Orlando Magic 103

Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Vol. 27: A new future for the Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic’s energy comes from their shooting . . . and that is the problem

Orlando Magic Grades: Minnesota Timberwolves 124, Orlando Magic 118

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 13, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Aaron Gordon’s time at the small forward is proving valuable

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers on November 20, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic searching for an answer they already know

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic searching for defensive rhythm, toughness

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers on November 20, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Decision-making issues haunting the Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 20: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 20, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic Grades: Indiana Pacers 105, Orlando Magic 97

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 5: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards on March 5, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic’s fourth jersey may be going to space

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Playoff aspirations still realistic for 2018 Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Matt Costello #40 of the Orlando Magic jump for possession during the opening tip-off during the 2017 Summer League on July 2, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic ending Orlando Summer League

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 18, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Recalibrating expectations for Orlando Magic as they fall to their mean

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 18, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic Grades: Utah Jazz 125, Orlando Magic 85

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 1, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

D.J. Augustin nearing return, could be back Saturday

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathan Isaac #1 and Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic box out Mason Plumlee #24 of the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

West Coast road trip uncovers Orlando Magic’s faults, shows new resolve

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 15: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 15, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Evan Fournier on the edge, a barometer for Orlando Magic movement

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 15: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 15, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic Grades: Portland Trail Blazers 99, Orlando Magic 94

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 30: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Terrence Ross searching for his shot, but finding everything else

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jonathon Simmons has truly big ambitions

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night as part of the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 18, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Bruce Yeung/NBAE via Getty Images)

Aaron Gordon open to return to dunk contest at All-Star Weekend

The Orlando Magic's Elfrid Payton, left, celebrates with teammate Aaron Gordon (00) during a 112-99 win against the New York Knicks at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)

Comparing the Orlando Magic’s previous strong starts

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Golden State Warriors on November 13, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic’s grip is slipping as they still figure out where they stack up in NBA

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 13, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic Grades: Golden State Warriors 110, Orlando Magic 100

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic enter most difficult stretch of their season starting out West

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic plays defense during a game against the Chicago Bulls on April 10, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

Evan Fournier has been a defensive revelation

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic know their pace, must find it again without point guards

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando Magic Grades: Denver Nuggets 125, Orlando Magic 107