NBA Power Rankings: New Year's Resolutions for Every Team

NBA Power Rankings: New Year’s Resolutions for Every Team

Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dribbles as Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 109-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Orlando Magic

Previous: No. 25

Record: 13-22

Last Week: 2-2

New Year’s Resolution: Move the Ball

The Orlando Magic have built a roster that can only be identified as one with immense potential. There are high-caliber players at virtually every position with the upside to develop into one of the best teams in the league.

In order to make the leap to the next level, Orlando must commit to playing team basketball on offense.

As it presently stands, Orlando ranks No. 29 in scoring offense at a dreadful 94.2 points per game. Surprisingly, Orlando is scoring efficiently with a field goal percentage of 45.8 percent and a rank of No. 4 in 3-point field goal percentage.

So what has Orlando sitting at No. 25 in offensive efficiency? Too much ISO.

Rather than making the extra passes to create open looks, the Magic have been a team that relies far too heavily on individual play. That can work with players such as Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic, but it breeds limited results.

Orlando is No. 28 in assists per game, No. 29 in assist opportunities per contest and No. 20 in secondary assists per outing. That suggests one thing and one thing only: a heavy dependence on isolation basketball.

In 2015, the only way for Orlando to improve offensively is to embrace team basketball.

Next: A Different Team