A month ago, the Orlando Magic looked like they had finally emerged from the abyss of rebuilding. On Dec. 30, they improved their record to 19-13 by beating the Brooklyn Nets. A winning record at the end of the season and a playoff berth seemed possible. Scott Skiles looked like a bona fide NBA Coach of the Year candidate.
The optimism has since disappeared.
The team has collapsed. The Magic have lost 12 of their 13 games this month, with the only win coming in another matchup against the atrocious Nets. The 2015-16 Magic now resemble the Magic of the 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons.