Orlando Magic: The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline presents impossible decisions

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ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 5: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 5, 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) /

The Orlando Magic find themselves in an impossible situation. They’re in playoff contention, yet need to capitalize on their current assets. What will they do?

The Orlando Magic are 20-29. They are only 3.5 games out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Had you told the Magic faithful prior to the season they would be in this position heading toward the trade deadline, fans would probably have been pretty happy. But the way the Magic have gotten here has been frustrating and turned what seemed to be easy decisions into excruciating choices.

The Magic are overachieving thanks to career-best efforts from center Nikola Vucevic and super sixth man Terrence Ross.

Nikola Vucevic has blossomed into a legitimate All-Star. His offensive game is out of this world. He has extended his range to the 3-point line and that threat has opened up his entire game. His passing has been excellent and his defense, while still below average, has improved significantly.

Terrence Ross, on the other hand, has continued to play the way he was for most of his career. But coach Steve Clifford has given Terrence Ross more chances to prove himself.

Ross is a streaky volume scorer. He can score from anywhere and when he is locked in he is probably the best scorer the Magic have.

But Ross often finds himself in small ruts where he will shoot 4 for 13 and shoot Orlando out of the game. That said, Ross has proven himself an important player to the team and has carried them to multiple victories.

Both Vucevic and Ross are vital to any Playoff hopes the Magic might have. But those dreams are slowly slipping away.