Before “arriving” on scene as a quality Eastern Conference team starting last season, the Pacers were always in the middle of the pack of the league and as a result never had the prospect of picking high in the draft lottery. It’s what I label as the “NBA Trap,” which refers to being in the undesirable and unfavorable position of not being good enough to advance to the playoffs but not in enough of a full rebuild mode to grab elite players from the draft (always picking between 10-14). To Indiana’s credit, it did a masterful job designing a team despite never having a really high draft pick and in spite of residing in a relatively smaller market. However, they were never able to add on a legitimate No. 1 option and instead resorted to a plethora of B-level talent. The results are TBD, but in all likelihood, it will be extremely difficult for Indiana to reach the NBA Finals. So to my original point of why I would say, “thanks for the model, but I will look elsewhere for a more suitable method to restore championship potential in Orlando,” the Magic have too many assets, chips and leverage to emulate Indiana’s approach. Orlando is a market that has always attracted All-Star caliber players (ex. Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill and Rashard Lewis) and in contrast to the Pacers, the Magic will have sufficient salary cap space, potential trade chips and a superfluity of draft picks from the Dwight Howard trade to avoid the disadvantageous “NBA Trap” for several years. Listen, I am not trying to ridicule or scrutinize the Pacers. They are a very good team and will challenge for the Central Division crown this season. But unfortunately, the decisions they made the last few years will probably disallow them from realistically contending for a championship. As the Magic continue to try and improve throughout this season with their compilation of savvy veterans and young talent, they also must look to the other side of the scorer’s table each game just to get a glance of how other teams have crafted their rosters. And while Friday’s opponent is very good, they aren’t the appropriate models for the Magic to emulate. What If There Was a Rematch This Season? For something else to think about and debate, do you think the current Magic team could win a seven-game series against the Pacers, who are essentially the same as last season when they eliminated Orlando in five games? Friday’s preseason game shouldn’t provide us with any inclination considering Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington and Maurice Harkless were all absent for the Magic and Danny Granger didn’t suit up for the Pacers. And naturally, because it’s just an exhibition game, you can’t judge anyone’s effort in October when the stage lights are not nearly as bright and the pressure is significantly reduced. For what it is worth, though, the Magic looked awesome in their lopsided win on Friday. However, if there were a rematch in the postseason, what would be your predictions? Vote here: [poll:69324]ORLANDOMAGIC.COM FEATURES: Trade Exception May Come in Handy | Preferred Path to Success? | Magic Active by Trade Deadline? | Bold Predictions | Overrrated or Underrated | This or ThatNote: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Josh Cohen are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.
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