Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from 2018-19 Media Day

1. The Magic are buying in

With any new coaching staff in the NBA, a transition period is always inbound. The longer and more complicated this process is, the more hectic the start of a season could be. Steve Clifford has only been with the Magic organization since May, but his players seem to be fully bought in to his approach thus far.

Nikola Vucevic mentioned that Clifford’s message was clear to start, saying:

"“As long as we get better each session, each day, that’s all we can ask for. I liked the way he was very direct with us. He made sure he got his point across. He made sure to point out the bad things. That’s what you want as a player; that’s the only way to improve.”"

At Media Day this was also evident when Augustin mentioned how the team was responding to what Clifford has been preaching thus far:

"“I think just the togetherness, having a togetherness spirit,” said the 11-year vet. “That’s what coach talks about a lot right now. Coming with it at practice, shootarounds, not just games, but everyday. If we have a great spirit all season, we have enough talent to put it together and win games, and that’s what he’s been preaching so far.”"

Clifford wants this team to play with a toughness and togetherness that has been noticeably absent from this franchise for a long time. Establishing this identity looks to be big moving forward and shows in how bought in the players are already.