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Orlando Magic: 3 things we learned from their scrimmages

By Luke Duffy

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 24, 2020 in New York City. The Magic defeated the Nets 115-113. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 24, 2020 in New York City. The Magic defeated the Nets 115-113. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

2. Familiar struggles

For all of the positivity surrounding the level of talent on the roster, some of the same issues crept up immediately once scrimmaging began. Namely the inability to put the ball in the basket at a consistent rate. This was especially evident against the Lakers.

The Magic had a first-half stretch in which they shot 2-for-22 from 3-point range, although they did manage to come all the way back from 19 points down to briefly take a one-point lead in the fourth quarter, before losing. This has been a problem for years now, having no player who is capable of getting them a bucket when they really need it.

Evan Fournier is probably the most qualified, although Magic fans will tell you that this is part of the reason that they are where they are right now. Fournier can be a really good player on his night, but when he is your primary option offensively, it can get sticky. Aaron Gordon should be capable of sliding into this role, but too often does not.

Related Story. Remembering Serge Ibaka's time with the Magic. light

This leaves Vucevic, who despite being the Magic’s best player, sees the offensive schemes flow through him so often that he doesn’t have another gear when the game slows down and he alone has to score them a bucket. He is at his best when players are buzzing around him, and he is passing to cutting teammates or others hanging around the 3-point line.

When this happens the court opens up enough for him to either get inside or shoot from deep and score. This is all well and good, but when this isn’t happening or an opponent has slowed him down, there is no plan B. The franchise will need to find that if they hope to snatch some of the games that will undoubtedly be close.

Terrence Ross is an option here, but as he comes off the bench it is a lot to expect him to be able to always provide this sort of bailout service. It is not all bad, however, as defensively the Magic have looked as strong as ever, clamping down on opponents all over the court. If they could only score a little more freely, they’d take another step forward.

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