The Orlando Magic have the pieces to be dominant on the defensive side of the ball with the addition of Mohamed Bamba. And it is clear this will be the basis of their identity.
The Orlando Magic can bet on one thing in 2019. Their defense will be better.
How much better is the million dollar question.
The Magic ranked near the bottom of the league when it came to defensive efficiency in 2018, giving up 107.7 points per 100 possessions. That was good for 20th in the league. The team’s gamble to build a defensive-minded team under Frank Vogel fell woefully flat, to say the least.
President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman seems to be betting on defense as the basis for his franchise once again. But things seem different this time. And there is growing optimism about the team’s defense.
It started with his hire of Steve Clifford to coach the team. And it continues with his two draft picks since taking over in Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba.
But in order to be a better defensive lineup, Clifford has to get the most out of the 2018 sixth pick in the draft. Bamba will be the key to the team’s defensive future and identity.
Mohamed Bamba has to be a reincarnation of the 2012 Roy Hibbert at best for the Magic to fulfill their defensive potential. Not saying he has to become an immediate All-Star, but he should be close to an All-Star snub at best.
That might be asking a lot from a young rookie. No one expects Bamba to be an All-Star immediately. But they do expect him to change and improve the team’s defense quickly.
Last year with the Texas Longhorns, Bamba averaged an astounding 3.7 blocks per game and had a +8.9 defensive box plus-minus. That means Bamba’s teams performed 8.9 points per 100 possessions better than the average college player. His defensive impact with his NBA Draft Combine-record 7-foot-10 wingspan was clear to see.
It was even clear to see in the Magic’s Summer League opener. Bamba still looked like he was getting his feet wet in the pro game, but the Brooklyn Nets seemed to have no interest in challenging him.
Clifford will need to nurture Bamba through this year in order for him to feel comfortable in his new role as the team’s defensive anchor. He also needs to make sure Bamba is getting adequate touches on offense so he can consistently be more engaged on the defensive side.
Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon need to be the primary perimeter defenders, no matter who they are playing against. Aaron Gordon should be the primary defender on the opposing team’s best player and Jonathan Isaac should be the secondary defender on the opposing team’s second option. Isaac can then have the freedom to use his length to disrupt passing lanes and clog the lane even further.
Their length and overall defensive versatility will make it hard to involve them in pick and rolls. Especially if Bamba can improve his pick-and-roll awareness and step out on guards, using his length to shut out this pet play. Orlando has the potential to be a team that can switch along multiple positions.
That is a hallmark of many of the best defenses in the league.
Orlando, with its focus on length and defense, can apply pressure at all areas on the court. The Magic clearly have the potential to be one of the most improved defensive teams in the league and continue to grow from there.
Now that the Magic have found their potential rim protector of the future, the Magic should be able to gamble on the perimeter to increase the likelihood for steals and turnovers. Bamba certainly has the ability to clean up a lot of messes behind them. And Isaac is capable of recovering when he makes mistakes or others make mistakes while still covering his man.
Gordon seems like the big question mark among this plan.
He has the potential to be a great defender and showed a lot of defensive aptitude in 2017. Statistically, Gordon improved defensively last year. But observationally he seemed to take a step back as he took on a more offensive role.
Defense remains a big part of his identity and his value. And it will be vital to the team overall with Clifford’s philosophy and reputation.
Jonathon Simmons had much the same problem as he took on a bigger offensive role. But he still has a strong defensive reputation and can get after players on the perimeter as a shooting guard. He adds even more value to the team on that end.
There are still plenty of questions on the defensive end. D.J. Augustin remains the only point guard on the roster. And he is not exactly known as a good defender.
Neither is the team’s returning leading scorer, Evan Fournier. And the team’s depth is still not likely to scare anyone.
Orlando will struggle to score and that could lead to transition opportunities and keep the Magic’s defensive margin for error small. Orlando has started the year off well defensively each of the past two years, but let go of the rope when the team started to struggle.
Then again, the Magic have not had a potentially elite defensive player like Bamba or even Isaac on the floor. Maybe that can truly change the team’s culture and make the Magic a defensive juggernaut.
If the Magic can somehow form a defensive bond on and off the court with this group of players the Magic may position themselves for a Playoff berth. A top-10 defense is still a sure way to get a Playoff bid. All of them made the Playoffs last year.
Next: Jonathan Isaac must gain his rhythm in Summer League
It may be a long shot for this group to fulfill their potential. But the door is open in the Eastern Conference. And this will help the Magic establish the culture and foundation for long-term success.