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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Quarter season review

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Jonathon Simmons, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 29: Jonathon Simmons #17 and Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 29, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What is the biggest thing the Orlando Magic need to show in the second quarter of the season?

Scricca: I think it is possible to recapture parts of what made the start of the season so good. But more than anything they just need Jonathan Isaac back. Once the team is healthy again, I think it will come down to trusting each other on both ends — making the right defensive rotations and the right passes — and putting forth consistent effort for full games and on a nightly basis. As far as schematic changes I would like to see Aaron Gordon working off the ball more, but still just as involved in the offense. If that makes sense. That will mean running more sets that allow him to cut into open space from the weak side, perhaps off a screen or with Nikola Vucevic working in the post, rather than running a pick-and-roll and/or trying to attack a mismatch (which he is just not very good at statistically).

Rossman-Reich: I think the Magic need to show some fight. They need to show an inner resolve that they are going to stay in this fight. The calls to tank this season have already begun. And that might be the best long-term option for the Magic. I do not think management cares particularly what direction the season goes. They are still evaluating everything. But for fans, they want to see the team succeed. They want a reason to show up to the building and pay attention every night. Orlando going through a long losing streak really cemented an “It’s the typical Magic” feeling. And that is not healthy for a fan base. Orlando has to keep trying to fight its way into the conversation. That is how you build a culture.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Palmer: I think they need to show a willingness to want each other to succeed. At the beginning of the season when the Magic were winning games it seemed that every Magic player wanted their teammates to succeed. Now after going on an elongated losing streak, a lot of players seem like they are more concerned about themselves rather than the team. Orlando’s pace seems to be way down and the ball movement is certainly down. The defense likely is never going to find solid footing with the guys on board but the offense could certainly improve as we’ve seen before.

Doyle: Fight. The Magic need to try and keep this season alive over the coming weeks. After Wednesday’s loss to the LA Clippers, a handful of players called out their teammates’ effort. I hope that lights a spark under everyone and gets them going. Orlando has the talent to compete with most teams on a nightly basis, but this losing streak has seemingly destroyed the confidence in that locker room. The veterans in the locker room need to get the younger guys in the right mind frame. There are a handful of players that have experienced winning in their careers. Hopefully, that can rub off on the youth as December rolls along.

Next: Frank Vogel should experiment with all-defensive lineups

What do you think is in store for the Orlando Magic in the second quarter of the season? What are your expectations and concerns? Join the conversation and let us know in the comment below or on Twitter @omagicdaily!