Rivalries in the modern NBA tend to be fluid. And that is no different for the Orlando Magic.
Across the league, there are clear historic rivalries like the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls. There are geographical rivalries like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets or the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers.
Although valued in tradition, these matchups lack some of the “juice” they may have once held historically. The players have changed, years have passed, and new stories have been written.
Many blame AAU culture, better relationships among players or a more connected league for ridding the league of the hate that fed the constant battles of the 1980s and 1990s during the NBA’s rise.