NBA tanking: Orlando Magic must start winning games in 2014/15, columnist says

In the two seasons since they traded superstar center Dwight Howard to begin in earnest a monumental rebuilding project, the Orlando Magic have won 10 fewer games than any other NBA team. After subjecting their fans to such misery, argues Mike Bianchi in Friday's edition of the Orlando Sentinel, the time has come for the Magic to start winning again.

"The problem is that all of the losses over the last two seasons are dangerous becaue the Magic aren't just losing games; they're losing fans--and lots of them," says Bianchi. "When games and seasons become meaningless and mundane, then fans will rightfully find something more exciting and enjoyable to do with their time and discretionary income."

Though he praises Rob Hennigan, the Magic's general manager, for his work in amassing assets and talented youngsters since pulling the trigger on the Howard deal, Bianchi underlines that it's "imperative" for Orlando to start righting the proverbial ship. A postseason berth isn't out of the question.

"Next season will be Year 3 of Rob Hennigan's detailed plan to remake the Magic, but, more importantly, it will be Year 1 of Magic fans judging the plan based on wins and losses instead of hope and promise," he says.

Based on comments here at Orlando Pinstriped Post over the last two seasons, but especially as the most recent one wound down, a majority of Orlando fans agree with Bianchi's assessment. As entertaining as some of the Magic's young studs can be to watch, nothing quite matches the thrill of victory.