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Orlando Magic Daily Podcast Episode 85: Preparing for the future with Orlando Magic Podcast

By Philip Rossman-Reich

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts to a call in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2018 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic reacts to a call in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2018 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic’s season is nearly over and a big summer of likely change looms ahead. What task is ahead? We break it all down on this podcast episode.

The NBA season is nearing an end. Mercifully perhaps.

The Orlando Magic have just four games left. They have already started sitting starters and playing G-League prospects late in games. Orlando’s players and coaches are still trying to eke out wins. That is in their DNA.

But no one would blame fans for not having an eye on the draft lottery. No one would blame them for already looking to the offseason.

It may already prove to be a big one. The Magic have a lot of things they need to work through and correct.

President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman promised this would be a season of evaluating the roster. Now the Magic have to make good on these evaluations. They have to do something with them. Weltman has to begin implementing his plan and his personality on this team.

That leaves a lot of questions for the Magic’s roster. Certainly turnover has to come there as the group has run its course through six mostly disappointing seasons.

It leaves a lot of questions for the Magic’s coaching staff. Coach Frank Vogel has had some successes and the team has seemingly developed individuals well this year. But the results are not anywhere near where anyone wants. And Weltman did not hire Vogel anyway. It might be time to move on to get that vision in line.

This all comes back to culture and finding a way to build the Magic back up.

Orlando is seemingly in the worst spot a team can be in. They have few young assets that will grow into future stars. They are capped out and unable to add new players in free agency. And their record is bad.

At least that means the team will get a good draft pick. Maybe.

The Magic’s offseason is already taking on interesting storylines. It will surely be an active one.

As the season wraps up and we turn to the future, we check in with Orlando Magic Podcast hosts Andy Harrington and Steven Garlick to discuss what direction the Magic should head this offseason to begin building this team back in the right direction.

On This Episode:

  • What happened as the Orlando Magic collapsed early in the season
  • Why it is time to move on from Nikola Vucevic this summer and the Magic’s lack of leadership
  • Aaron Gordon‘s attempts to be a star and where he fits into the future
  • What should be the Orlando Magic’s priorities this offseason?
  • The lack of opportunity for young players throughout this season
  • What is tanking the right way?
  • Why the team needs a seamless connection between management and coach
  • Does finishing strong matter? What have the Orlando Magic developed this season?
  • What is Frank Vogel’s calling card with the Orlando Magic?
  • How much is this on the coach and how much on the players? Why have coaches not worked out in Orlando?
  • What is important about culture for the Orlando Magic and how the coach plays his role in building it
  • The big decisions ahead for Jeff Weltman

Be sure to follow Andy Harrington and Steven Garlick on Twitter at @andyrharrington and @st_garlick. You can check out their podcast, the Orlando Magic Podcast on the Almighty Baller Podcast Network.

Next: Aaron Gordon working on shot selection to end season

Also, subscribe to Orlando Magic Daily’s daily podcast, Locked On Magic, on Panoply, iTunes, Stitcher and TuneIn.