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Orlando Magic: What to watch for after the All-Star Break

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 8: The Orlando Magic celebrate before the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 8, 2017 at the 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, FL - DECEMBER 8: The Orlando Magic celebrate before the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 8, 2017 at the 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) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 5: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Miami Heat on February 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Continued Growth

Obviously the big thing the Magic will need to watch for and see — regardless of wins and losses — is the continued growth of several young players.

Aaron Gordon has had a breakout season, averaging 18.4 points per game and breaking out into the team’s next potential star. Gordon seems to have taken care of himself in free agency this summer. But Orlando needs to let him explore his game and continue to grow. He needs to figure out how he needs to play to continue to grow.

It is at least homework for his offseason.

But there are plenty of other players outside of Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac who have grown plenty this season. And can still continue to grow.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Mario Hezonja has been the biggest one. Although he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Magic have invested well in his growth and given him the opportunity. He has forced his way into the rotation and will remain a part of the Magic’s playing rotation the rest of the year.

The Magic have to consider re-signing him after this season after this stellar run.

But even players like Evan Fournier have shown tremendous improvement this year. At the very least, Fournier has returned to his production level from 2016. Just as Nikola Vucevic has when he is healthy.

Orlando will want to see that growth continue. And, yes, that will mean continued winning when the Magic can. Orlando is going to be trying to win games. The team probably will not win the majority of them.

But considering much of this roster could very well be the same next year, a positive finish could help build some momentum. The Magic are still going to end up with a top pick in the Draft. Getting wins where they can has proven to build momentum.

In the last 25 games last year, the Orlando Magic finished last season 8-17 in its final 25 games, passing only the Philadelphia 76ers in lottery order. Neither the Orlando Magic nor the Philadelphia 76ers improved their draft position (Philadelphia used the Sacramento Kings’ pick to acquire Markelle Fultz from third) improved their lottery odds.

Orlando started this season with much the same group at 8-4.

In 2015, the Magic finished the last 25 games 7-18. The Orlando Magic at that point was four games ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers and eight games ahead of the New York Knicks, who ended up picking fourth ahead of Orlando.

In both those seasons, the standings were not as bunched up as they are now. But Orlando started the following season 19-13. There might be something to a strong finish feeding a hot start the next year.

Next: Orlando Magic entering All-Star Break fighting

Winning is a part of growth. And the Magic are not likely to win many games to end the season (even those records are not particularly strong), but they must continue to find growth for their young players wherever they can — both individually and as a team.