Fansided

Every NBA team’s worst iteration ever

By Rich Kraetsch

BOSTON - NOVEMBER 20: Guard Chris Herren and coach Rick Pitino's expressions on the bench reflected their loss against the 76ers. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - NOVEMBER 20: Guard Chris Herren and coach Rick Pitino's expressions on the bench reflected their loss against the 76ers. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 12: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Orlando Magic lays on the floor in pain after turning his ankle against the New Jersey Nets during NBA action December 12, 2003 at TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida. The Nets won 99-95. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 12: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Orlando Magic lays on the floor in pain after turning his ankle against the New Jersey Nets during NBA action December 12, 2003 at TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida. The Nets won 99-95. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic (2003-04, 21-61, -7.25)

When Tracy McGrady signed with the Orlando Magic in the 2000 offseason it signified a new era in Orlando. Gone was the vestiges of Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, now it was up to the dynamic McGrady to turn Orlando back into title contenders.

McGrady became one of the league’s most dominant scorers immediately becoming the superstar Orlando was looking for. The results didn’t immediately bear out as Orlando would hover around the mid-40s win mark and unfortunately find themselves ousted in the first round three consecutive seasons. Still, momentum appeared to be building.

Then 2003-04 happened.

For reasons unexplainable, the Magic were now terrible. And not even just a little bad but downright awful. Orlando started the year 1-10 leading to the firing of Doc Rivers. They’d lose another 9 in a row with Johnny Davis installed as head coach. A team that won 42 games the year prior was now 1-19. What the hell?

Orlando became a shell of themselves overnight falling to the bottom of the league in defensive rating allowing 110.4 points per 100 possessions. The Magic were by no means a great team the year prior but this? It made no sense.

McGrady once again led the league in scoring at 28 points per game but at the center of blame for the precipitous drop in the Magic’s fortunes.

When the dust finally settled, Orlando finished with a 21-61 record, the worst in the league and the franchise’s worst mark since 1991-92, just three years into their franchise’s existence.

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