[1] During the off-season, the Magic hired retired NBA point guard, and former Turner Sports broadcast analyst Doc Rivers as head coach.
[29][30][31][32][33] The team also signed free agents John Amaechi, Monty Williams and undrafted rookie guard Chucky Atkins.
[38] At mid-season, the team traded Abdul-Wahad and Gatling to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Ron Mercer, Chauncey Billups and former Magic forward Johnny Taylor.
[47][48][49] The Magic played around .500 as the season progressed, posting a 7-game winning streak between March and April, and finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 41–41 record.
Following the season, Wallace and Atkins were both traded to the Detroit Pistons,[57][58][59][60] while Billups signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Timberwolves,[61][62][63][64] Mercer signed with the Chicago Bulls,[65][66][67][68] Maggette was dealt along with Derek Strong to the Los Angeles Clippers,[69][70][71][72] Harpring was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers,[73][74][75] and Parker and Taylor were both released to free agency.