The Orlando Magic Underachieved This Season.

The Orlando Magic were one of the hottest teams in the league coming into this season. Paolo Banchero came back after a great All-Star season. At the same time, Franz Wagner was still improving his game. Orlando was expecting a giant season until Paolo was out due to injury and Franz went down in December. The team has undergone a lot of injury problems, with Jalen Suggs and Mo Wagner going out for the season. This has hurt their point guard and center spots, which are crucial for this team. The Magic seemed out of sorts and no longer looked like the fun team of last season. Franz and Paolo still played at a high level. Yet, the team doesn’t seem ready for a run at the Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic are a team with many flaws, and the lack of front office moves was disappointing. With many players being disappointing this season.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been shit this season. He was the big signing everyone looked forward to. He could open up the game for the two main players who aren’t shooters. His time with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokic was expected to help this team. But so far he has been a non-factor and even lost minutes to better players. With the money he is making, there is no justification. It will be difficult to imagine him stepping up, which increases the pressure on Cole Anthony.

Cole Anthony has been inconsistent since coming into this league. He can have some rough games. He had a great game against the Atlanta Hawks as he scored 26 points and added 6 assists. But the problem is he isn't that consistent on the court. Everyone expected Cole to step up once Suggs got injured, but he has not. Orlando has a problem with the lack of fluid offense, and Cole has not added to it. Anthony will hoop in the play-in tournament. It will be interesting to see how he performs against Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. Cole Anthony was good, along with Anthony Black.

Anthony Black, coming into his second year, has found his minutes increase. Black is a talented defender and playmaker who has been able to be huge. He has been a huge spark plug off the bench, bringing the energy needed and being able to guard the opposing guards. Black was incredible defending Trae Young. Where he needs work is his ability to hit threes. He shoots only 31 percent from three-point range. This makes it tough to play alongside two stars who aren’t great scorers. The hope for Anthony Black is that he develops his three over time, but his offense needs to expand. The Celtics could take advantage and let him shoot. The guard spot is not only desperate, but the center position needs someone to step up.

The center position is tough for the Magic. Goga Bitadze went from being a strong rotation player to sitting on the bench. Now, he only plays in garbage time. His time on the team seems limited, as the Magic are a team full of young players who are all competing for minutes. Wendell Carter Jr. has faced health problems since he entered the league. And the lack of development has not helped him at all. With those two having mediocre seasons, Mo Wagner will be missed. He is able to open the floor with his energy. He is great next to Jonathan Isaac. But with the ACL tear, it has ended his season.

The Orlando Magic have dealt with many inconveniences this season. Losing Jalen Suggs and Mo Wagner for the season hurts the chances of making a deep run in the playoffs. This year has many positives. Jonathan Isaac bounced back from serious injuries and remains a productive player. Gary Harris still brings the veteran presence and off-the-bench play. The Orlando Magic are a team this off-season who will be forced to evaluate their team.

This postseason will be tough for the Magic. Orlando pays Jalen Suggs a lot of money, and he suffered a season-ending injury. Teams no longer have the same flexibility as in past seasons due to the new cap space. Franz received a big payment, and they expect Paolo to receive the same. Suggs's contract has the upside of flexibility, but it doesn't take the team to another level. This might push the Magic to trade him, but the question is who bites the bullet. With Mike Malone and Taylor Jenkins fired, it’s not hard to see that Jamahl Mosley could be next. With the Magic regressing, it could force the team's hand to let him go and get the latter coaches.

A lot of organizations could experience an impact. With the Celtics series coming up, it is hard to imagine the Magic getting a single win. A far cry from last season, when they took the Cavs to seven games, Orlando lacks playmakers. This makes it difficult to create plays. And with the lack of a center, it will be easy for Tatum and Brown to attack the basket. The Celtics are very versatile, making it tough for Orlando to keep up. This will likely lead to a gentleman's sweep.

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