Following their most disappointing season since the beginning of the Rob Hennigan rebuild in 2012, the Orlando Magic could be set for an exodus.
This season was meant to be an evaluation year for the Orlando Magic. There was some thought they could finally start contending for the playoffs with the team’s continuity and stability. But really, it was about new management figuring out which players were truly part of the future.
Bursting out the gates, the rejuvenated Orlando Magic picked up victories over teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans. At one stage, the team even led the Eastern Conference.
But the Magic’s customary mediocrity soon returned, and a horrendous 6-31 run through November, December and early January cemented their status as basement dwellers for a sixth consecutive season.
Injuries limited the squad, while All-Star caliber starts to the season from Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic soon faded. The team once again appeared to be without direction, nor identity.
This leaves the Orlando Magic in a difficult situation heading into the 2018 offseason. Aaron Gordon is likely to command a hefty offer sheet in his restricted free agency, and other key players including Nikola Vucevic are set to enter the final year of their contracts.
Which leaves one vital question as the season nears its end — who should stay, and who should go?