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Orlando Magic: 3 reasons they’re above .500

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: The Orlando Magic celebrate during the game against the New York Knicks on November 18, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 18: The Orlando Magic celebrate during the game against the New York Knicks on November 18, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

3. They have the right head coach

When former head coach Frank Vogel was fired during the offseason, the general consensus was that it was the right move. His two seasons in charge proved to be uninspiring, with the sharp improvements the organization desired failing to materialize.

In his place came former Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, which on the surface appeared to be a fine addition, and nothing else. His tenure with the Hornets, with players like Kemba Walker at his disposal, did little to excite.

While that was the fear when he was announced as the new guy to lead Orlando, the reality couldn’t be further from those initial concerns. Clifford has been the most consistent person for the Magic so far this season.

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His rotations have proved to be successful, and he has blended trying to win as many games as possible now with allowing the younger players to grow. Center Nikola Vucevic has been the offensive focal point, but unlike previous seasons when that was the case, he now has help.

Clifford was right for the Magic to play through him, but he also hasn’t kept rookie Mohamed Bamba stuck to the bench, giving him 17.7 minutes per game. Even guys like Isaiah Briscoe are getting a chance, and second-year wing Wesley Iwundu looks a different player under Clifford.

Aaron Gordon, signed to an extension during the offseason, has looked reinvigorated defensively as well. The players are saying the right things when speaking to the media, and it often revolves around still having work to do whether they win or lose.

Right now coach Clifford is doing a great job of trusting and having the backing of the veterans on the roster, while also allowing the younger players to grow. At a key time in the organization’s rebuild, it seems the front office made the right change with this hiring and it is contributing to their early season success.

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