NBA: Predicting 4 teams that will take the biggest step back in 2021

Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic Aaron Gordon (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have made the playoffs in the Eastern Conference in each of the last two seasons. Though, I’m afraid that streak is in danger of breaking this season. Quite honestly, it could have more to do with what other teams in the Eastern Conference did during the offseason, rather than what the Magic didn’t do.

Overall, you can’t fault Orlando for playing it safe and (for the most part) quiet during the offseason. Orlando addressed the point guard position by selecting Cole Anthony with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and stood pat on nearly every other front.

They didn’t elect to trade Aaron Gordon or any other of the big pieces on the roster. Jonathan Isaac is expected to miss the entire 2020-21 NBA season and it’s tough to see where this team is going to improve this season.

With the likes of the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls all improving over the offseason, there’s a good chance that Orlando could be on the outside looking in during the race to the playoffs this season.