Channing Frye was the Magic’s big, shiny offseason addition.
It’s not clear how Frye, 31, fits into Orlando’s rebuilding. But coming off a successful season with the Suns, he nudged the Magic toward respectability.
A team can only suffer – Orlando has gone 20-62 and 23-59 the last two years – so much before all the losing affects it psyche.
But the Magic’s bid to escape the NBA’s cellar has hit a pretty significant snag.
John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com:
https://twitter.com/JohnDenton555/status/518030959049183232
Everyone is different, but a recent history of NBA players’ MCL sprains indicates a four-to-six-week timetable is a decent estimate for Frye to be out. That would, most likely, mean he’s not ready for opening night.
On the bright side, this opens more playing time – and learning experience – for younger Kyle O’Quinn and Andrew Nicholson. Plus, without Frye, the Magic are more likely to lose and get a higher draft pick.
Injuries are never ideal, but given Orlando’s place in the league, this one has a pretty decent silver lining.