![Adreian Payne and the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Los Angeles Clippers. [Image via YouTube/FreeDawkins]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/8/23/660x290/b_502x220x82/adreian-payne-and-the-minnesota-timberwolves-versus-the-los-angeles-clippers-c-httpswwwyoutubecomchannelucejosbbaofgnfrodeemylcw_1525511.jpg "Adreian Payne and the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Los Angeles Clippers. [Image via YouTube/FreeDawkins]")
The Orlando Magic has had quite a few disappointing seasons. They reached 2009 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Orlando Magic had a few more playoff appearances before missing the last five post seasons.
The Magic front office then traded their star Dwight Howard the next season after he refused to sign a long term deal with them.
Life after Dwight
The trade started the rebuilding process for the Orlando Magic which made them go back to NBA mediocrity.
The Orlando Magic continues to rebuild through the draft. And they drafted some young talents like Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, and Mario Hezonja.
Mario Hezonja had a disappointing second season after all the hype and expectations; he averaged 4.9 pts, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.steals and 0.2 blocks per game. Elfrid Payton averaged 12.8 pts, 4.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. Payton played his best season in the NBA yet. While Aaron Gordon averaged 12.7 pts, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game last season, which is also his career best.
Magic makes small moves
The Orlando Magic has not made any big noise this NBA offseason so far, their only notable move was the Speights signing.
Magic have signed Free Agent forward Adreian Payne to a two-way contract, which means that he will spend majority of his upcoming season with the Magic’s D-league affiliate team the Lakeland Magic.
Payne has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the last two and a half NBA seasons.
He has played very minimal amount of games due to thrombocytopenia, a disorder related to the deficiency of platelets in the blood. But he has been cleared for basketball activities since. Adreian Payne averaged 3.5 pts, 1.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks in the 18 games that he played last season.
The Orlando Magic has a very strong defensive team but is surely lacking experience and a winning culture. With players like Serge Ibaka, Bismack Biyombo, Terrence Ross, and Evan Fournier this team can surely compete in the “weak” Eastern Conference.
To end, we have heard of many NBA players’ career cut short by injuries and illnesses.
Notable players like Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Brandon Roy and Chris Bosh are few who have been through this situation.
Although Adreian Payne is not as famous or well known as those mentioned. It is still very disheartening that anyone who has sacrificed and played the game with all his heart goes through this.
