The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They are a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was founded in 1989 as an expansion franchise, and began their inaugural season in 1989-1990. The Magic enjoyed early success, reaching the NBA Finals in 1995 and 2009. Led by their iconic center, Shaquille O'Neal, and guard, Penny Hardaway, the team made a name for themselves as one of the most exciting and formidable teams in the league. However, they ultimately fell short of winning the championship in both appearances.
Orlando Magic's trade market hinges on Wendell Carter
The Orlando Magic are in the position to be buyers at the trade deadline for the first time in a long time. But their ability to make a deal might hinge on their readiness to move key players and whether they are healthy.
By Philip Rossman-Reich | Jan 10, 2024
Wendell Carter has been on the shelf and injured list for most of the season. That has only created more questions as the trade deadline approaches for the Orlando Magic. / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone has their eyes on the trade deadline.
There is a month to go before the Feb. 8 deadline now. The playoff picture is starting to become clearer -- entering Tuesday's games, every team 4-8 in the Eastern Conference had an identical 21-15 record -- and the stakes for the rest of the season are coming into focus.
As the team gets closer to the midpoint of the season, everyone is asking questions about what the Orlando Magic will do.
Injuries have ended up hitting the team hard -- although not as hard as the last two years -- and have kept the team from realizing its full potential. But the Magic are still in the thick of the playoff race with a lot they can still accomplish.
For the first time in a long time, Magic fans see themselves as buyers at the deadline. They should be going out and looking for things to add to the roster and boost the team.
The Magic organizationally are likely to remain fairly conservative and are not looking for a move to ensure they make the playoffs or secure home-court advantage or a spot in the 4/5 game this year. Orlando still wants to build the team that gets out of the first round next year and for the next 2-3 years.
That turns the question then not to who the Magic might acquire -- and there are plenty of targets from a veteran like Malcolm Brogdon, a first-time starter like Tyus Jones, a sharpshooter like Buddy Hield or a big fish like Dejounte Murray -- and more to what the Magic might give up.
That is where the real problem for the Magic lies.
Orlando may not have the players it needs to swing a big deal at the deadline with the expiring contracts of Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris and Chuma Okeke or with the injury concerns from Wendell Carter and Jonathan Isaac (whose contract was fully guaranteed for the year earlier this week) this year and more.
Orlando will have a lot of key decisions to make. And the team is probably going to have to make some real sacrifices and some major investments with their cap room this summer. Whether that means the team dives head-first into the trade deadline is another question.
The sharks are circling. The winning window is open and the Magic cannot waste a moment of growth in that window.
It is why Carter may be the player who could turn the deadline for the Magic. What Orlando ultimately wants for him and whether the team is even willing to move him could be the tipping point for the team to do something at the deadline.
And there is at least some thinking this could be the case.
Marc Stein wrote on his Substack (subscription required) that some rival executives believe Carter could become available at this year's trade deadline. What anyone might offer for him or what the Magic are looking for would be the mystery in this case.
And a lot of that starts with getting Carter back on the court.
Carter has appeared in only 13 of the team's 37 games this season, missing 20 after a fracture of the third metacarpal in his left hand in early November. When he has played he has struggled, averaging 8.1 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game in 24.4 minutes per game.
His minutes are getting cut some because he is struggling to overcome a nagging right knee tendinitis injury that has kept him out for four of the 12 games since his return from the hand injury.
He has averaged only 7.3 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game in his eight games since returning. He is at least shooting better, but still making only 47.6 percent of his shots overall.
The knee issue is very real and has slowed both his ability to finish around the basket -- he is at least shooting 8 for 16 from three since returning from the hand injury. And that is just making it hard to assess anything from Carter.
This might be the key to the deadline for the Magic though.
They have been able to handle the center position this year with this team with Goga Bitadze and Moe Wagner. There is at least enough of a glut there that Orlando could roll the dice and make a big push to improve the roster elsewhere -- waiting for the offseason perhaps to shore up the center position.
Carter might be the player of consequence on the roster the Magic are most willing to trade that could net them the most in return.
The trade deadline is about buyers and sellers. Much like how the Magic were willing to take back Wendell Carter in the Nikola Vucevic trade, another team might be willing to take Carter back to give up something the Magic need to buy.
In this instance then, it is important to listen to what the market is saying. If the Magic want to add significant players to their roster, they are going to have to give something the market wants.
The rumors at least for now are thinking that Carter could be the player the Magic might have to give up to play in this cycle. He might be the one the team has to push in to make the kind of improvements to the roster that will help the team finish this playoff push.
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In the end, it seems like Carter's play one way or the other will hold the key to the Magic's success in the tight playoff race or their ability to make improvements at the deadline.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is an American professional basketball team who are part of the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division in the NBA. The team is based in Orlando, Florida, and plays their home games at the Amway Center.
Throughout these years, Orlando Magic is not just known for its competitive spirit, but also for its iconic players. From Shaquille O'Neal to Penny Hardaway, the team has been home to legends that have left an indelible mark on the game. The Magic’s story is one of resilience, celebrated highs, and lessons learned from challenging lows.
However, they ultimately fell short of winning the championship in both appearances. In recent years, the Magic have undergone a rebuilding phase. They have focused on developing young talent and building a solid foundation for the future.
Famous Orlando Magic Players
Dwight Howard
When you speak of dominant centers in the NBA, Dwight Howard's name inevitably emerges. Drafted directly from high school in 2004, Howard quickly ascended to the NBA elite. His athleticism and defensive skills made him a fan favorite. He also won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times from 2009 to 2011 and reached the Finals in 2009.
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick in 1992. In only his third season, he led the league in scoring and helped the Magic reach the NBA Finals in 1995. In four seasons in Orlando, Shaq averaged 27.2 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.
Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway
A guard with the size of a forward, Penny Hardaway's versatility was unmatched. Drafted in 1993, he soon formed a dynamic duo with Shaq. Known for his vision, ball-handling, and scoring ability, Hardaway was instrumental in the team's success during the mid-90s. His synergy with O'Neal is still remembered as one of the most potent partnerships in NBA history.
Tracy McGrady
Joining the Magic in 2000, Tracy McGrady's tenure with the team was synonymous with individual brilliance. Even though team success eluded him during his stay, T-Mac, with his scoring prowess, made the Magic a must-watch team. Winning the NBA scoring title twice during his time in Orlando, McGrady's legacy is that of one of the game’s purest scorers and a beacon of hope for Magic fans during his era.
Darrell Armstrong
Perhaps not as globally renowned as the others, Darrell Armstrong's inclusion is a nod to his heart, hustle, and unwavering commitment. Joining the Magic in the mid-90s, Armstrong became a fan favorite for his energy off the bench. He epitomized the spirit of a fighter, proving that with determination, even an undrafted player could leave a lasting legacy. His tenure with the Magic saw him win both the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player awards in 1999.
The team has made several playoff appearances, but have not been able to replicate the success of their earlier years. Despite the ups and downs, the Magic have a strong fanbase and a devoted following. The team plays their home games at the Amway Center, which has become a popular destination for fans. The franchise has also been involved in various community initiatives and charitable endeavors, further ingraining themselves in the Orlando community. Looking to the future, the Magic are hopeful for continued growth and success. With a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, the team is eager to compete at the highest level and bring another championship to Orlando. It may be a challenging journey, but the Magic and their fans remain optimistic and passionate about the team's prospects..
Reviews for "Inside the Front Office: The Decision Makers of the Orlando Magic"
1. John - 2/5 - I have to say I was really disappointed with the Orlando Magic. The team lacked energy and seemed to be going through the motions. The players didn't seem motivated and their performance was lackluster. Additionally, I found the atmosphere in the arena to be quite dull. Overall, it was not an enjoyable experience and I wouldn't recommend going to a Magic game.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I had high hopes for the Orlando Magic, but they fell flat. The team seemed disorganized and had no chemistry on the court. Their offense was predictable and their defense was porous. It was frustrating to watch and I left feeling like I wasted my time and money. I don't think I'll be attending any more Magic games in the future.
3. Mike - 2/5 - As a basketball fan, I was excited to watch the Orlando Magic play, but my experience was underwhelming. The team lacked star power and their play was sloppy. It seemed like they were just going through the motions without any real passion or drive. The atmosphere in the arena was also quite tame, which made the whole experience less enjoyable. Overall, I wouldn't recommend watching the Magic if you're looking for an exciting and competitive basketball game.