The Orlando Magic finished the team’s preseason with highs and lows. Although they played solid with a 2-2 record, there were areas for improvement.
Although not perfect, the Orlando Magic had a successful preseason. Ending the preseason with a .500 record is a plus. The team was also able to integrate some new faces and prepare them for the new season.
On a positive note, the Orlando Magic may have hit it out of the park with first-round pick Cole Anthony. Anthony showed confidence in shooting the ball and his confidence also grew as a playmaker each game. The icing on the cake was when Anthony hit the game-winning shot to beat Charlotte in the final preseason game.
It’s a good thing that Anthony was providing scoring off of the bench in the preseason. The supposed backup point guard Michael Carter-Williams was not as impressive with his scoring; not sure how he was able to get a two-year contract. Even though he is a veteran, the rookie might take his job immediately.
Michael Carter-Williams would be really good if he could ever make a shot pic.twitter.com/7JOcjakbGC
— SCOUTWITHBRYAN (@ScoutWithBryan) December 16, 2020
The Magic will tip off the season on Wednesday night. With the Miami Heat on deck, the defense has to be a concern. The team left the rim looking like an open gate to an amusement park and showed no effort on closeouts. This should become a focus area.
The Magic Were Offensive on Defense
The poor defensive effort was evident. As a result, the Magic gave up 116 or more points in every game. This was with the starters playing into the second half of each game as well. Without Jonathan Isaac for the season, Aaron Gordon will have to step up and show his defensive ability on a consistent basis.
Mo Bamba can now practice and workout with the team. He spent months recovering from the coronavirus and its symptoms. Thus, it will take him time to get back into game shape. Hopefully he can take a big step forward and be the inside presence the team sorely needs.
As the season begins, the team will need to find consistency on offense. Most of the team was up and down. Nikola Vucevic and Cole Anthony were the two most consistent scorers, but both players were also attacked on defense; thus the plus-minus of both players was poor. As the team adjusts and increases the effort level, they will need to make changes. Both sides of the court should improve through the first five to ten games.
