The Orlando Magic schedule is out. We can all plan our lives from October through mid-April now as the NBA returns to its normal rhythm.
Even for a season where many are expecting to be one where the Magic settle into the bottom of the standings, the schedule brings excitement. Orlando has to at least believe it can accomplish something.
The real anticipation for the Magic is watching their young players grow. It will be the way the team plays and improves as the season goes on.
Orlando will have its work cut out for it regardless of how the schedule is composed. They have a new coach, they have a bunch of new players and they have a ton of youth too. It is going to be a season with its ups and downs regardless of who the opponent is.
The Orlando Magic’s schedule will prove a difficult challenge with a schedule front-loaded with road games and a difficult first two months.
It is no mystery why the early predictions have the Magic at the bottom of the standings. But even those analysts believe the team is back on the right track. It is a season where progress will not be measured in wins and losses.
Managing the schedule and seeing growth through the course of the schedule will be one of the most difficult tasks ahead for Jamahl Mosley. Especially with how difficult the start will be for the team.
As the Magic prepare for their season, they will likely be doing what we will do today — breaking down the key stretches of the season that will define their success or failure. These are the stretches that will test the Magic and provide them the opportunity to sink or swim this year.
One way or another, this season will be an extreme learning experience for the Magic as they go through the NBA for the first time together and the team pieces together what it wants to be now and into the future.