The Breakthrough Year For Orlando?

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

11/15/2023

For a franchise that has not won a playoff round since 2009-2010, a 5-5 start seems like not much to be ecstatic about. However, the Orlando Magic have much to be encouraged by to start their season and could end up securing a spot in the postseason for the first time in four years. This Orlando team in the very early stages of the year is seeing its young core grow and blossom while learning how to win through sustainable means and good habits. TUSV looks at the solid start to the NBA season for the Magic, detailing the key players and factors that have and could contribute to a successful season.

One of the main reasons for Orlando's success is the fact that this squad has seen its plethora of young players shine thus far. The combination of recent draft pick and trade acquisitions have formed a core that Orlando fans should be excited about the progression of this season. As a team, their average age is 24.9, tied for 5th youngest squad in the NBA. Mix in the fact they have the third young backcourt and youngest forward groups in the league, and they are seeing plenty of youth blossom. In the frontcourt, 2022 1st overall pick Paolo Banchero and 2021 8th overall pick Franz Wagner are the headliners of this group. Both players average just under 19 points per game while being two of the top rebounders on the team. Plus, the fact they both average over a steal per game showcases the impact the pair is making on both ends as the leaders of the team. In the backcourt, 2020 1st round pick Cole Anthony, 2021 1st round pick Jalen Suggs, and 2023 1st round pick Anthony Black have formed a productive guard trio that mixes scoring with defensive disruption. Cole Anthony has been a big sparkplug off the Magic bench averaging 13.2 points and 2.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Jalen Suggs in his third season is coming into his own and becoming an invaluable member of Orlando's lineup. Suggs is averaging 12.1 points while being a presence defensively averaging 2.1 steals per game. Anthony Black has adjusted well and earned more playing time immediately from coach Jamahl Mosley. Black is averaging 19 minutes per game and has started 3 games already this season. He is averaging 5.8 points per game and is continuing to learn the NBA at a great rate. Add in acquisitions like Markelle Fultz (11.4 ppg, 4.0 apg, 1.2 spg) and Moritz Wagner (12.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and this Orlando squad has compiled young talent that is meshing well and complimenting one another while learning to win.

The other major reason for the teams' success has been the elite defense they have played to this point. Orlando currently ranks 5th in opponent points per game, allowing just 107.9 a contest. They have done this while having the 3rd best defensive efficiency in the league at 1.044. This young squad has embraced the concepts of being physical and disruptive on defense and the boards as a group. Orlando ranks 5th in total rebounds per game averaging 54.8 rebounds a game. They use their size, length, and quickness across their frontcourt to control the boards. This includes 7 different players averaging at least 4 rebounds this year, meaning it has been a full team effort. As far as disruption this team's ability to generate steals and force turnovers has been crucial to their defensive prowess. The Magic rank 2nd in steals per game averaging 9.6 a game, while also sitting 3rd in opponent turnovers per game, forcing 17.2 a contest. It helps that the Magic have five players averaging a steal or more a game, but it has been a clear emphasis for the group to get in passing lanes.

The fact Orlando has seen their young group gel and embrace being strong defensively to start the year has been encouraging. They've already collected some impressive wins early in the year with victories over teams like Milwaukee, Houston, and the Lakers. Plus, they have played teams like the Mavericks tough as well early in the year. If Orlando can sustain this level of defensive effort, they have a chance to get back into the postseason and get valuable experience for a young group with a bright future.