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2019 Orlando Magic will be remembered more for what happens next

By Philip Rossman-Reich

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots a free throw during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 5, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 5: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots a free throw during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 5, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Darrell Armstrong, Orlando Magic, Damon Stoudamire, Portland Trail blazers
ORLANDO, UNITED STATES: Orlando Magic guard Darrell Armstrong (#10) drives past Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon Stoudmire (#3) during the second period of the game at the Arena in Orlando, FL, 17 November, 1999. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/Tony RANZE (Photo credit should read TONY RANZE/AFP/Getty Images) /

Heart & Hustle 2.0

Most often, this Orlando Magic team is compared to the Heart and Hustle team of 2000.

That team was built of cast-offs and expiring contracts as Orlando hoped to rake in big free agents in the summer. that group was not expected to win at all, predicted to finish last in the Eastern Conference.

Instead, that group banded together and rallied to get to 41-41 and missed the playoffs by a few games, getting eliminated in the penultimate game. Out of every team in Magic history that failed to make the playoffs, none are talked about more than this team.

This team resonated in the collective memory because of the surprise result for the season and the team’s effort and energy.

This was the kind of team fans love because they played hard in every moment and they had several characters that fans could relate to.

The 2019 Magic were not nearly the surprise in some ways. They had talented players and it was seemingly a realization of that potential. Orlando was not simply defying odds in 2019. The team was finally cashing in on years of a failed rebuild.

But it was still a surprise.

Related Story. Orlando Magic Top 25: Nos. 12-17 Teams in Magic history. light

There were several players who endeared themselves to fans with their effort. Terrence Ross might very well be one of the most popular players in Magic history with his flame-throwing scoring. Nikola Vucevic put years of struggles behind him.

The Magic made their run at the right moment — going 22-9 to close the season. After six years getting frustrated with missing the playoffs, that run injected new life into the fan base. It sparked something in them.

That is something that will never be forgotten.

There is a good comparison between the two teams. They both hold a similar place in Magic history as perhaps the biggest surprises in team history.

But the 2019 team was a better team. They were elite defensively in the league — eighth in defensive rating although it is tough to compare the numbers directly because the eras and offenses were so different.

The 2019 Magic had an All-Star player in Nikola Vucevic and a clearer go-to option. The 2000 Magic were an admittedly poor offensive team. And they missed the playoffs, something the 2019 team did.