The Orlando Magic's defense has been a work in progress since the team made the trades at the trade deadline. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
When Steve Clifford arrived in Orlando three years ago, the franchise was at its nadir.
The franchise’s long rebuild after the Dwight Howard trade had gone nowhere, topping off at 35 wins and their coach at that time essentially quit on his team leaving after that lone season. The Orlando Magic had a group of young veterans who had not accomplished anything, much less formed a cogent identity.
Clifford was introduced with a promise: His teams would be hard to beat.