Orlando Magic: 0-2 … So What’s New?

With a little more than two weeks until the NBA season begins, fans have been asked to make do with preseason and exhibition games for the time being.Contests have taken place throughout the world in the NBA Global Games and the players and teams have been met with mass hysteria wherever they have gone. The Orlando Magic are one such team that has not embarked on a brand raising trip elsewhere and to this point have played two preseason games so far, with more to follow.

They are 0-2 against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers at this point, so what have we learned going forward about how good, or bad, the Magic can be this season?

1. Victor Oladipo Can Play

Although a tiny sample size, in the two games thus far, Magic rookie Victor Oladipo has played extremely well, raising hopes among some he can be as good as advertised. He spent a lot of time playing the point guard position in the games and if there were any doubts about his ball handling and floor general abilities, they were quickly put to bed. Against New Orleans he posted the very balanced stat line of 10 points, five rebounds, nine assists and four steals. He was also responsible for the play of the night as well, providing a delightful dish for Jason Maxiell to finish. When Cleveland came to town two nights later, he was good for 18 points. More than that though he showed the outside touch with a couple of 3s and drove fearlessly at opposite number Kyrie Irving on a number of occasions. Although overshadowed by top pick Anthony Bennett in the fourth quarter (Bennett scored 14 of his 15 points in that period),  Oladipo has shown enough over two games that fans should be very hopeful he can be the big player they need him to be this season.

2. No Soft Touches Inside

It was only one play and if anything it was dangerous, but Nikola Vucevic‘s flagrant foul on the aforementioned Bennett was intended to send a message. Vucevic is a big boy more than capable of looking after himself, but he would have wanted to show that the Magic are up for the fight this season. They know nothing will come easy for them, so playing hard and physical can potentially give them an edge over softer teams. Although Vucevic himself averaged 11.9 rebounds last season, including grabbing 29 against the Heat on New Year’s Eve, the Magic have been out-rebounded in both preseason outings so far. For a team that finished fourth in defensive rebounds last year, that is potentially a worrying step back as well.

3. It’s Called Charity For A Reason

Orlando finished 27th in free throws made last year and 28th in free throws attempted, very poor numbers.

(Flickr.com photo/RMTip21)

Although free throw shooting was not a feature of either preseason game particularly, it is something they need to improve on, and quickly. The added athleticism and drive of Oladipo should help put a small dent in those putrid numbers going forward, but really it is a team effort. The basket needs to be attacked more successfully on a more consistent basis.

4. Identity Crisis?

It is hardly cause for concern this early into the season, but as of yet there is no real identity to the team. There are players who can play the inside and post game to a decent standard, while there are also those capable of bombing from far away too. The team is young, Tobias Harris trying to emerge as a leader if recent comments are anything to go by, so envisioning this unit as an athletic one that gets out in the open court and hustles back on defense is probably where this team will end up. Although Arron Afflalo may be moved along in the months that follow to allow Oladipo to flourish, it was his leadership qualities and handling of the ball last campaign that helped the Magic to some wins. He also helped pull what was a pack of stray players in the one direction. His value may be underrated both within the organisation and with fans as well.

The Magic play four games over the course of the next week, so more should become clear by then, but right now few will be surprised or even care they are 0-2 in preseason. These games are about finding match fitness, experimenting with line ups and trying out new plays. There have however been some bright spots so far too. Right now the Orlando Magic are where we thought they would be.

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