Two years ago, the Orlando Magic were excited about their offseason. They spoke openly about changing the franchise’s fortunes and had clear playoff expectations with the money they invested and the veterans they brought in.
Then-general manager Rob Hennigan and then-coach Frank Vogel extolled the team’s newfound defensive identity. Who would be able to score on a front line that featured shot blockers Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo? Who would get past the length and athleticism of Aaron Gordon on the wing? The team still had holes, but they were going to be different.