By Brett Roberts
1) Defensive rotations matter and can fully decide games
In the loss to the Washington Wizards, Orlando’s inability to make quality perimeter rotations resulted in the Wizards hitting 13 of 23 from downtown. That type of marksmanship is only possible with many open shots.
Jared Dudley, notoriously one-dimensional, never had to think about putting it on the floor, yet the Magic did not adjust in anyway. The result was four triples from a mediocre role player.
That is a recipe for losses, truly.
2) Nikola Vucevic can be both a “black hole” and deft passer
When Nikola Vucevic establishes low post position, it nearly always requires a defensive double. But Vucevic’s passing out of these double teams has been somewhat mysterious.
There are times he forces looks. But when he makes the right passes, the Magic function far better as a unit. He had five assists in the loss to Washington, but he was wholly outplayed by Marcin Gortat (despite statistics telling a different story).
The Magic need Vucevic to understand his impact on a game when he makes the right passes—or just passes at all for that matter.
3) Victor Oladipo is definitively not a point guard
The Magic’s offensive creativity has gone kaput in the wake of Elfrid Payton’s ankle injuries.
For all Victor Oladipo is as an offensive talent, he is not a table setter. It is problematic because the Magic are fairly lacking in that department.
Oladipo is capable of big nights, but he really lacks the ability to jumpstart his teammates. Or, at least not on the level Payton can.
4) Aaron Gordon is due for a bigger role
Again in the loss to Washington, Aaron Gordon had a fine game, posting a double-double in 30 minutes of play. He was also fairly devoid of mindless errors, which is one of the pin points of what has kept him from getting mass minutes.
With his defensive ability, energy and offensive board work he could become a fixture in the starting lineup sooner than later. Certainly he is the talent on Orlando’s roster with the most untapped potential, loathed as he is to hear that term continually thrown around.
5) Channing Frye is not entirely one dimensional
Channing Frye has put the ball on the floor and looked to finish around the basket more. Sure, he is still attempting plenty of threes, but it is good to see him embrace the same problem Rashard Lewis had as a stretch-4, his sheer predictability and offensive restriction.
Just because Frye is a deft 3-point shooter does not mean he should abandon his chances from within the arc. His commitment to hitting the offensive glass has been a big plus, and it will be interesting to see if Frye can diversify his game more.
After all, his rookie season in New York he was not a 3-point shooter and still had a good season. He is not a one-dimensional cardboard cutout, notwithstanding that he is still best as a court-stretcher.
Next: Tweaks needed?