Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

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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Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 05: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic plays defense against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Amway Center on December 05, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

Finding their ceiling

Overall both the 2000 and 2019 teams are in the median among Orlando Magic history. But ultimately, the 2019 team should get judged among the other playoff teams. Not merely the sentimental team that came up just short.

Comparing the 2019 Magic to the other teams that made first-round exits from the playoffs or just missed the postseason, the only thing this Magic team lacked is a superstar like Tracy McGrady or Anfernee Hardaway.

The 2019 Magic were built completely differently than any other team in the franchise’s history.

Where the 2019 Magic had that more consistent offensive option they could dump the ball to and a calling card that makes them better than 2000 version that endeared themselves so much to the Magic zeitgeist.

But by that same token, those other teams like the 2001-03 teams with Tracy McGrady or the 1997 team with Anfernee Hardaway or even the lockout-shortened 1999 team had bigger stars and clearer offensive identities. They were better built for the playoffs and did not have the mad dash for the playoffs that the 2019 Magic had to go through.

It might be harsh to say, but the 2019 team might be the worst Magic team that made the playoffs.

That should not take anything away from what they accomplished. Considering the Magic are coming out of their darkest period in team history, the playoff appearance was a victory. It does not matter where it ranks.

But it is also clear that for the first time in Magic playoff history, the path to winning or competing for a title is unclear in the future and certainly not in the rearview mirror. This is a team that seems on the rise but does not have the clear path forward those other new playoff teams had