Orlando Magic players expect to make playoffs
By Bryan Rose
Ever since Dwight Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Orlando Magic have been in the process of rebuilding their once proud franchise.
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It’s questionable if their overhaul is ‘complete’ though it’s safe to say they’re certainly on their way with an influx of extremely young and impressive talent on the roster. Most would suggest the Magic are still at least a season or two away from competing, though Orlando Magic players would disagree.
That’s the word from forward Mo Harkless who says the Orlando Magic expect to surprise with a playoff birth.
Speaking about being a young team who quickly emerges like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Toronto Raptors, Harkless gave the following response to Basketball Insiders.
“We’re the Orlando Magic. We’re a different team, but I think we can do similar things that they did and find our way and be able to make the playoffs and make a mark and surprise a lot of people.”
While it’s a wonderful thought, it seems a little premature on the part of Harkless considering the core of the roster is still very young. That said, it’s not as if the Eastern Conference is very deep and while quite top-heavy, few would have expected the Toronto Raptors to make the postseason during the 2013-14 season.
Might the Orlando Magic shock the NBA world and put together a similar run? It seems a bit far fetched, though it appears the talent on the roster all believes it’s obtainable. Certainly would be nice to see for the Magic given their rabid fan base.