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Orlando Magic can learn lessons from Eastern Conference’s previous 7-seeds

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic's arrival in the playoffs was a big step forward. Their next step will depend on internal development and organizational culture. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic's arrival in the playoffs was a big step forward. Their next step will depend on internal development and organizational culture. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Brad Stevens did a masterful coaching job to get the Boston Celtics to the 2015 Playoffs. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

2015: Boston Celtics (40-42)

2016: 5th Eastern Conference (48-34)

The Boston Celtics in 2015 were really three teams.

The first team was the remnants of the Boston Celtics’ championship teams after the trade with the Brooklyn Nets. They still had Rajon Rondo, but they were clearly transitioning toward their young players and looking to stockpile draft picks where they could.

The going thought was the Celtics would tank and ad more to their depth. But they kept winning and humming along.

Then the Celtics traded Rondo. They were a new team now. Freed from Rondo and his exacting pace, they unleashed their defense and played with more energy.

Then the third team formed. Boston acquired Isaiah Thomas and had an offensive spark plug to go with a strong defense. The Celtics miraculously made the playoffs. They had their stockpile of draft picks. They seemingly had a way forward.

Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics /

Boston Celtics

Boston lost in the first round the next year. But the Celtics were in the Eastern Conference Finals by 2017 with Thomas leading the way along with some of those young picks realized.

This Celtics team was like Heart and Hustle making the playoffs. It was the beginning of the beginning for what this team hoped would be a title run.

The takeaway from this team is almost certainly the power of good coaching and organizational structure and culture.

Stevens’ second year in the league required him to gain the players trust after a 25-win season in his first year coaching.

To do that with three completely different teams within the same season was an incredible job. That is why he has such a great reputation around the league. It all dates back to this season.

The Orlando Magic had a big run to make the playoffs last year. And Steve Clifford’s motivation and belief in his team was a big catalyst for it. Orlando hopes the team has built a good culture that can carry over year to year and that identity will bolster the team.

But it still takes growth within that system to reach the next height.