The Orlando Magic are not to be envied at the moment. And ESPN agrees.
Chad Ford gave the Orlando Magic's offseason the only 'F' grade in the entire NBA when he released his offseason grades for each team in the league.
The grade is understandable. Here is what Ford had to say:
"The good news, Magic fans? GM Otis Smith is gone.
The bad news? I'm not sure Jerry West, let alone rookie GM Rob Hennigan, can fix the mess Smith left.
The Dwight Howard situation is out of control. The Magic screwed up badly when they didn't trade him before the season began or at the trade deadline. Smith mistakenly thought that the longer the Magic waited, the better offers they would get. It has turned out to be the opposite.
Now the Magic sit with offers from the Lakers, Rockets and Hawks. The Nets pulled out of the running and the Lakers and Hawks are hesitant to trade for Howard with no future commitment. Only the Rockets seem to be willing to throw the kitchen sink at the Magic, including taking on their plethora of horrendous contracts.
The Magic might as well send Howard to the Rockets, get the young assets, cap space and picks and start over. They've earned the top pick in the draft twice and landed Shaquille O'Neal and Howard. Maybe it happens again one day. But as of now, this situation is a complete mess. That fat F is quite warranted.
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