National Basketball Association

Orlando Magic get some love from NBA GM survey

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The NBA conducted its annual GM survey to get their perspective on the league. The Orlando Magic got some recognition and intrigue once again.

The Orlando Magic have spent a lot of the summer dealing with criticism and puzzled looks when taking a look at their preseason. The Magic made a major transformation to their roster with the hopes of making the Playoffs.

There is no guarantee it will work. Nor is there much guarantee of anything.

Expectations are tepid around the league when it comes to the Magic.

That does not mean there is not some optimism or belief in some of the things the Magic did. And the annual NBA.com General Manager survey again shows there is at least some intrigue and approval of some of the things the Magic did.

No, the Orlando Magic did not get picked to win the title or to finish in the top four. It is hard to say where the general managers believe the Magic will finish in the Eastern Conference.

The Magic’s acquisition of Serge Ibaka was considered one of the most underrated moves of the offseason — garnering 6.9 percent of the vote, the fourth most in the poll. And, yes, that was tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s acquisition of Victor Oladipo. That gives further credence to the idea that deal was a win-win for both sides.

The Utah Jazz’s acquisition of George Hill was the most underrated move of the offseason, gaining nearly a quarter of the votes from the NBA GMs.

That was not the only move that did not go unnoticed.

The Magic’s hiring of Frank Vogel earned the second most votes for new (or relocated) coach that will have the biggest impact, behind Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He gained 10.0 percent of the vote.

Orlando certainly hired Vogel to make a big impact on the team. The Magic have sought an identity for the last four years and Vogel is a coach that oozes with it. His Indiana Pacers teams have always been among the best in the NBA in his six seasons as a head coach.

Throw in the acquisition of Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo, who received a vote for best defensive player in the league in the poll, and the Magic should have defense as an anchor to their success this season.

The final player who received notice in the survey was Aaron Gordon.

Gordon was voted the fourth most athletic player in the league behind Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Zach LaVine with 6.9 percent of the vote. Gordon has traded a lot on his athleticism. His impressive performance at last year’s Slam Dunk Contest still resonates for sure.

And the league’s executives certainly acknowledge that.