Axel’s Deep Dives: The Orlando Magic are Legit
Hoops writer Jeff Axel gives you a look at the Orlando Magic’s transformation from perennial lottery team to playoff contention.
The Orlando Magic are legitimate and seem to have turned the corner after multiple seasons of rebuilding. They’ve been to the playoffs only 4 times since 2011 which all resulted in first round exits but there’s a different energy this decade for the Magic. Coach Jahmal Mosley has created a defensive first identity and playing for each other and having quality offensive balance.
The turn around started in the middle of last season where they finished the year going 29–28 after a slow start to the 22–23 season due to health and inexperience. They’ve carried the momentum from last season over to start this year and are currently 15–7 tied for 2nd in the Eastern conference. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have shown they co-exist well both averaging 20.7ppg to lead the team.
The thing that makes the Magic unique is that they have one of the best benches in the NBA as their next 2 leading scorers come off the bench. 6th man of the year candidate Cole Anthony is averaging 15.4ppg and Moe Wagner is having a career season averaging 12.5ppg as the backup center who plays with high energy and is one of the best players at drawing charges in the league.
The fact that they’ve done a majority of this winning with Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz only playing 5 games so far this season is impressive considering both players are double figure scorers with Carter Jr. being a quality rebounder, floor spacing front court player and interior defender.
The team makes a concerted effort to attack the basket ranking 3rd in the NBA in points in the paint at 56.6ppg. They convert at 48% from the field, good for 8th in the NBA. The one weakness of this Magic team is 3 point shooting as they shoot 34% which is 25th in the league but it’s not slowing down their pace as they average 113.5ppg good for 13th in the NBA.
Defense is their calling card as they hold their opponents to 109.6ppg good for 6th in the league. Jalen Suggs who is having his best season at 12ppg has become one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and the Magic cause havoc with their length on defense with their small forward, power forward, and center being 6 ’10 or taller with good lateral movement on switches.
Jonathan Isaac is still a quality perimeter defender despite the injuries and Gary Harris. The Magic also do a great job of dictating the pace as they give up the 2nd fewest assists in the NBA at 23.5 per game and are 2nd in the NBA in turnovers forced at 15.9 per game. They do a great job of playing the passing lanes as they get 8.6 steals per game good for 5th in the NBA.
If we’re combining the end of last season to the start of this season, the magic would be 43–35 over their past 78 games. I wouldn’t call them a contender at this moment but based off their balance and style of play I could see them staying in the top 6 and locking up a playoff spot.
Franz and Paolo have the unique ability to create off the dribble and finish around the rim at a high rate using their size to shoot over smaller defenders and using their athleticism to drive past slower defenders. During the Magic’s last 10 games in which they’ve been 8–2 Paolo has averaged 24ppg, 6rpg and 4apg while shooting 54% from the field and 42% from 3. If Paolo can shoot over 40% from 3 that opens up the entire Orlando Magic offense with better floor spacing.
Franz is averaging 23ppg 6rpg and 4apg on 52% shooting over the last 10 games, so as the season continues the Magic have 2 go to guys down the stretch who can create their own shot at a high level. I understand that the only veterans on this team are Joe Ingles and Gary Harris with a majority of this roster being 25 and under, but the intensity, pace, effort and toughness this team displays are too hard to ignore.
After many rebuilding seasons, failed draft picks, multiple coaches and GM’s this Magic team now has 2 franchise cornerstones and an identity. Based on all the evidence the 2020’s will be much more fruitful than the 2010’s for the Orlando Magic and they deserve it. -Jeff Axel
