2008-2009 Finish: 38-44

What went bad

The Orlando Magic have been pretty bad for a long time. GM Bron23 really did nothing much with this team in his tenure. He even got the date wrong for the draft and traded pick Russell Westbrook for Jerryd Bayless. Ouch! Perhaps the biggest issue dogging the team was Tracy McGrady's limited output and horrible contract. Luckily for Orlando two big changes were in store this past summer.

But before those moves, the Magic had do a little housekeeping. While Shannon Brown decided to stay, Von Wafer and JR Smith decided to get out of town. Though Smith decided to play with the Lakers, Orlando recalled him by matching the contract. Another wise move was to sign the newly returned Chris Andersen, who returned to the league after a multi-year drug suspension. Lastly, the team signed injury-case Shaun Livingston for way too much money.

Then the two big shockers. The Magic were able to convince Utah to take McGrady and Rasho Nesterovic for Richard Jefferson, Brian Scalabrine and Peja Stojakovic. Though Peja is past his prime, RJ is a star the team can rally behind. The Magic were ready to fight again.


What went worse

After learning his buddy and partner in delinquency, the GM of Atlanta, also got the can, Bron23 quit the team. No one else stepped in for the rest of the season, but that wasn't much different than having Bron around. The Magic quietly finished 10th in the Eastern Conference.

Star

- Richard Jefferson, GF-

Jefferson wasted little time making the good folks of Orlando about T-mac (who would later miss most of the season). He rolled up his sleeves and tried his best to get the team out of the gutter, racking up 21.4 points per game and 5.4 rebounds. If the supporting cast had been a little better, RJ might have pushed this team into the playoffs.


Goat

- GM Bron23–

I will say it again Westbrook for Bayless. AFTER Westbrook fell into his lap.

Looking to the future

For Orlando to really compete, they need a GM, but let's face it, they are the better team in Florida right now. A starting core of Smith, RJ and Andersen isn't too bad. Yes, they are dying for a starting PG and there are doubts about Yi Jianlian but there are teams much more worse off. Peja's salary is holding the team back some and he still has two more years left. Better than shelling out for T-mac at least.

In the draft, Orlando picked Gerald Henderson at pick 13. The Duke junior has been thought to be a disappointment by some scouts but he should be a solid man off the bench for the team at the two. The team also got Christian Eyenga and Sergio Llul in the 2nd round who they will stash overseas for awhile.

So now what? It is unknown whether the Birdman will even come back. Losing him will really hurt the Magic as they have no other centers on the club. They also need to upgrade at the point guard slot. The team doesn't have much money, so they will have to use every penny wisely.