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Orlando Magic: 3 reasons they’re not tanking properly

By Luke Duffy

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 03: Dwayne Bacon #8 of the Orlando Magic pours water on R.J. Hampton #13 of the Orlando Magic after defeating the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 03: Dwayne Bacon #8 of the Orlando Magic pours water on R.J. Hampton #13 of the Orlando Magic after defeating the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Reason No. 2 the Orlando Magic tank isn’t working: Guys want jobs

With the season over for the Magic and roster spots still needing to be filled because of injury, not to mention trying to ease off on playing younger guys so they don’t get hurt, the organization has turned to filling out their bench with short-term solutions and two-way deals. This has seen Moritz Wagner (who apparently isn’t that good) and Admiral Schoefield (great name) added recently.

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Obviously, if these guys were good enough, they’d have stuck with their previous teams. That way of thinking isn’t flawed, but it is not totally accurate either. So much of any sport has to do with circumstance, and now that these players are getting an opportunity late in the season, they are taking it.

Do you think Wagner wants to have to scramble to find somewhere to play again? They’re looking for job security and a chance to stay in the league for as long as possible, and it is why the likes of Wagner can put up 24 points in a game recently. These guys aren’t household names, but they are still among the best players in the world.

Somebody has to take these shots and make plays, even on a team like the Magic, so it makes complete sense that individuals who are looking to get a contract, either in Orlando or elsewhere, would do all they can to showcase themselves. They don’t care that the franchise is trying to lose games, and why should they?

So on one hand you see the logic in signing these players because they aren’t thought of as the elite guys in the league. But on the other, they want to make money and have job security, and it may just be that with their previous team the role wasn’t there for them. The Magic have needed a center recently, and Wagner has stepped up. Most likely to their annoyance.

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