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Orlando Magic Week 6 Takeaways: Mental growth and fortitude

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) celebrates with forward Tobias Harris (12) after their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Magic won 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) celebrates with forward Tobias Harris (12) after their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Magic won 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic, Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Nov 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) fight for position on a rebound during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

By Brett David Roberts

1) Orlando has resolve

In back-to-back outings, Orlando was able to protect its lead against Utah and Minnesota. In the Utah game, the Orlando led by five with five minutes to go and were able to keep that lead padded and protected.

The defensive effort was what keyed it, on a night both teams were exchanging the lead the entire game. There were 20 lead changes, but when Orlando took hold of the game it was able to execute and defeat a very similarly talented team in Utah.

Closing out games still has to be a priority for the Magic because letting too many close ones slip away will put this team right back below .500. Quickly.

2) Victor Oladipo is a true Sixth Man

Oladipo has become Orlando’s go-to energy guy. He is coming in games and doing exactly what is needed, be it a rebound (6.1 per game is nothing to sneeze at) or a key steal. Oladipo is also doing his part in helping Orlando protect the rim.

The Magic rank No. 8 in blocked shots per game and Oladipo is aggressively pursuing drives to the basket.

While having a 6-foot-4 man as a top shot swatter is unorthodox, it is not unheard of. Oladipo is becoming very Dwyane Wade-esque with his defensive presence.

It is not inconceivable that Oladipo wins the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award, even though we are early into this experiment.

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3) Orlando’s options are varied

With Evan Fournier not doing much against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Magic were able to get the missing playmaking from Oladipo off the bench. This offseason the Magic will have serious decisions to make, with both Oladipo and Fournier likely to command a max contract.

Choosing between the two may be the toughest decision Rob Hennigan has had to make as the Magic’s general manager.

It is a good problem to have two players playing at such a high level, but it will still require the Magic to make some tough decisions when sorting out this team in the offseason.

4) Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja are still “not ready”

In Orlando’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Aaron Gordon was on the court before committing a series of mistakes that helped Orlando lose the game. Scott Skiles reacted quickly, but still too late, in getting Tobias Harris back into the game.

Gordon’s self-confidence seems to fluctuate, but he may be at his best when it is not “too high.” He is still dribbling into traffic and often forcing tough looks he is determined to take, before ever making the move.

The predictability of his offense is giving Orlando problems, and he is still not a passable 3-point shooter. Teams know to give Gordon just enough wiggle room to hang himself, and it is evident in opposing defenses his shot is not that respected.

Mario Hezonja has suffered the typical ups and downs of a rookie but is now having trouble getting on the court. It is much to the dismay of many Magic fans who expected an immediate impact but Orlando’s two most recent top-five picks are not making a huge difference.

Maybe it should not be a surprise, but it is a disappointment to those who likely set the bar too high for a couple of young guys still trying to find their way in the NBA.

Next: Old habits die hard