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Orlando Magic Daily Podcast Episode 94: The Orlando Magic, the Eastern Conference and You

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 16: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 16: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic have some reason for optimism to start their season. But this looks like another season of growth and development ahead.

It is hard not to feel some optimism at this point of the year.

It is October, the season is new. And every little positive the Orlando Magic have shown through their first two preseason games is something that could become real when the games start counting in a little more than a week.

The season seems far away and the team has plenty of work to do. But it is coming fast. Orlando has precious time to get into shape before that Oct. 17 opener against the Miami Heat at the Amway Center.

Expectations around the country for the Magic are extremely low — the team is at the bottom of most power rankings entering the season. Expectations even in Orlando are also admittedly muted.

No one quite knows what to think of this team. The focus is clearly on the long-term future. Fans are excited about the potential of Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba together. There is an eagerness to get that group on the floor immediately and sacrifice short-term success for the sake of their development.

Everyone feels ready for change and to see this team take a step forward — or, maybe better, shed the past.

The transition from the last six years of struggles and difficulty to a more hopeful future seems like the focus for the team and its fans these days. The Magic want to believe that there is a path forward to the Playoffs and eventual contention already within the roster. Maybe just missing that last piece.

The Eastern Conference is going through its own transition. The LeBron James shadow has moved to the Western Conference. For the first time in eight years, James’ team will not represent the Eastern Conference.

And while the contenders have emerged, the bottom of the Eastern Conference seems to provide a path forward for some team to surprise and take one of the last spots in the Playoffs.

That feels like a pipe dream. Everything has to go right for the Magic to get there from Aaron Gordon taking a big step in his career, Jonathan Isaac being healthy and Mohamed Bamba being more ready for the NBA than anyone could expect. Along with Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic‘s steady play and Terrence Ross and Jonathon Simmons‘ health. And on and on and on.

This is the time of year, every team is supposed to imagine the best of themselves.

The Magic are no exception. And they have a lot of questions to answer this year. Although finding final answers to them may not feel as pressing as in previous seasons.

There is a lot to get to and break down as the team looks ahead to the season. Zach Oliver of Orlando Pinstriped Post joined the latest episode of the Orlando Magic Daily Podcast to talk about what to expect from the Magic this season.

On This Episode

  • What observations can we make from the first two preseason games?
  • What are the Orlando Magic’s goals in the preseason?
  • What is the effect of the constant coaching changes for the Orlando Magic and their development? How does Steve Clifford change that? How has it affected Aaron Gordon’s growth?
  • What are the Orlando Magic trying to build? How did they move toward that vision this offseason?
  • Does the Orlando Magic roster make more sense today?
  • What happens with Nikola Vucevic this year?
  • What does success look like for the Orlando Magic this year?
  • What does the Eastern Conference playoff picture look like?
  • Which teams that missed the Playoffs last year have the best chance to sneak in this year?
  • Are the Orlando Magic the worst team in the Eastern Conference? Some national outlets think so.
  • We play over/under on some key Magic stats including leading scorer, defensive rating and win total

Be sure to follow Zach on Twitter @zacholiverNBA and check out his work at Orlando Pinstriped Post. You can also listen to their podcast, Do You Believe In Magic.

Next. Amid highlights, Orlando Magic getting organized. dark

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