Orlando Magic Daily
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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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Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
The 2013 Playoffs marked the end of an era for the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

2013: Boston Celtics (41-40)

2014: 12th Eastern Conference (25-47)

This Boston Celtics team is the least analogous to the Orlando Magic’s current situation. This was a team on its last legs that ultimately decided to pack up.

The 2013 Celtics were the last team to feature Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Those veteran players were still strong enough to carry the team to the playoffs. But they had clearly lost a step and could not propel Boston much further.

The Celtics again finished with a .500 record and made the Playoffs. They took the New York Knicks to six games in a hard-fought series. But they could not keep up with Carmelo Anthony‘s scoring. And Tyson Chandler could match Boston’s defensive prowess.

This franchise and this group had just run out of gas.

That summer, the Boston Celtics traded Garnett and Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets. Doc Rivers left for the LA Clippers. The Celtics were in a complete transition.

Boston played out its season and gave it that last try. It was clear it was time to make a deal. Who knew Boston’s deal would turn out so good.