The Orlando Magic are deep into their season now, and yet they do not have a good handle on their team. This week was as confusing as ever.
Frank Vogel sat before the assembled media before Sunday’s game and spoke a bit about the team’s season at the moment. This was before Sunday’s 109-79 loss to the Toronto Raptors seemed to throw things out of whack.
Vogel in that session, half joking, said he was still having a difficult time getting a grasp on his team. Nothing to be worried about. He said it takes time for a team to come together. It is a continual process throughout the season, one that gets better as the season goes on.
But there is nothing quite like this team. Vogel joked he does not envy Rob Hennigan’s position trying to ask Vogel what he needs to add to this roster.
In one moment it is everything. In another, it is offense to supplement the team’s stellar defense. The next, it is some defensive consistency to help an offense that is riding high.
The Magic are inconsistent at best. But inconsistent in different ways. Over and over again.
Vogel said in that media session he still believe he can shuffle the lineups to find a group that works. He said he likes to take stock of how his team and its lineups are performing every 10 games. The Magic reach Game 30 in Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat.
That might bring change with it. But that might still be a thought for further down the road.
As might plenty of other thoughts for change.
The previous week was a mixed one. The Magic went 2-2 with their offense looking strong. . . until it did not. Orlando won games against the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets before falling to the L.A. Clippers. That is hardly a disappointing loss. The Clippers won the game at the end with their star power.
Then Sunday’s game occurred, throwing the Magic into more uncertainty and questions. Orlando is still fighting to stay above water.
And Frank Vogel, just like everyone else, is still working to get a handle on his team.