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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Southeast Division

By Brian Boake

Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) talks with guard Dwayne Wade (3) during a timeout in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) talks with guard Dwayne Wade (3) during a timeout in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORLANDO MAGIC

Last season: 35 – 47

This season: 32 – 50

I’m usually partial to General Managers who have the courage to think for themselves, but in the case of Orlando’s Rob Hennigan, I’ll make an exception. I haven’t any idea what he’s trying to do here. Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo and Nik Vucevic – how many severely limited big men can one team afford, both financially and on the floor?

They have brought in Jeff Green, who’s disappointed every team he’s played for. Victor Oladipo is gone, just when I thought he was ready for a step forward. Elfrid Payton will be a great point guard someday, or so they think. If he’s developed, I’ve missed it.

May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic Head coach Frank Vogel and general manager Rob Hennigan pose for a photo during the press conference at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic Head coach Frank Vogel and general manager Rob Hennigan pose for a photo during the press conference at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

New coach Frank Vogel might be able to make sense of all the odd pieces. The cupboard certainly isn’t bare. Evan Fournier has great range on his jumper, and Aaron Gordon is a marvelous athlete.

Orlando and Philly are my top two choices to be heavily involved in trade talks, but not with each other. The Magic need to shed at least one of their front court men, most likely Vucevic. Beware teams whose roster problems are an open secret.