The Orlando Magic did not end the season the way they wanted in 2016. The front office, perhaps previewing the turmoil that would come, had split apart some of the team and made a clear signal they were going for free agency to force the team forward, no longer satisfied with the team’s slow pace.
The team should not have missed the playoffs after starting the year 19-13. They were in position for homecourt advantage as they made a trip to London to face the Toronto Raptors. But things were not the same.
The whole organization — players and front office — felt they were close and felt that disappointment of falling short of the postseason and collapsing the way they did.