Orlando Magic find themselves in tightening Eastern Conference

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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against Wesley Matthews #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Orlando won 117-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic broke through to make the playoffs. It was a big step forward for the team. Now they have to do it again in a much different climate.

To say this year’s offseason brought a lot of change is an understatement.

There were an unusual amount of free agents in this year’s class and the superstars that hit the market made sure to flex their muscle. And that caused ripple effects throughout the league.

The defending champion Toronto Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard to the LA Clippers, which also toppled the Oklahoma City Thunder in the process. The LA Clippers acquired Paul George in tandem and the Oklahoma City Thunder shipped Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving made their move to the Brooklyn Nets, forcing the team to send off D’Angelo Russell to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal.

The Miami Heat made their play to stay relevant, acquiring Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade deal. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers used that space to go after Al Horford and gut the Boston Celtics of some of their interior defense.

The Celtics did fine even after losing Irving. They acquired Kemba Walker in free agency and turned their attention to their young players.

There was a lot of shuffling around the league. About the only thing that did not change was the Orlando Magic.

The Magic will enter next year with the same roster. The only new player they will add to their rotation is Al-Farouq Aminu — and the possibility of Markelle Fultz, acquired at last year’s trade deadline, and Mohamed Bamba, who missed the last 30-plus games with a leg injury. Orlando seemingly enters this year with more depth after last year’s 42-40 breakthrough.

But there is never a guarantee for any team to repeat its performance. Every season is new and presents new challenges. There will be no carbon copy.

Orlando needed a 22-9 run to end the season just to make the playoffs. That showed their capability and potential to be a better team. But doing that over an 82-game season is a different animal. And the league itself is completely different.

Expectations are different too.

The Magic made the playoffs last year and it felt like a true breakthrough for the team. Now there is a clear expectation the team makes the playoffs. There is no other measure for success.

Orlando seems well-positioned to make a Playoff run again. It is impossible to discuss the eight teams that will qualify for the postseason without mentioning the Magic. That is the capital the team earned last year.

But where exactly will the Magic finish? That is probably too hard to predict today. But it is worth considering where the team might fall in the Eastern Conference pecking order.