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Orlando Magic: 5 Preseason Overreactions to Avoid

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jonathan Isaac and the Orlando Magic had some impressive moments during the preseason. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jonathan Isaac and the Orlando Magic had some impressive moments during the preseason. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic, Jonathan Isaac, Philadelphia 76ers
The Orlando Magic are still working to make the most of Jonathan Isaac and their offense. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Magic will be a better rebounding team

The other big issue for the Orlando Magic throughout the preseason was their uncharacteristically poor rebounding.

The Orlando Magic had a 67.3 percent defensive rebound rate during the preseason, only better than the Golden State Warriors among NBA teams in preseason play.

To say the least, this is a big problem for the team if it persists. Orlando can be a great defensive team, but none of that matters if the team is not collecting rebounds. It is vital to the Steve Clifford defensive system and vital to the team’s ultimate goals for the season.

That was certainly true last year. Orlando posted a 75.4 percent defensive rebound rate — essentially three of every four defensive rebounds Orlando secured. That was good for third in the league. Getting stops and finishing possessions with a rebound is vital.

If the team wants to be a fast-breaking team too, then it will require the Magic getting the rebound and getting out quickly.

Perhaps there is some concern that an emphasis on transition will mean more players leaking out and fewer players attacking the glass. But that is not a large concern.

Nikola Vucevic is one of the best rebounders in the league. Aaron Gordon does a good job rebounding his position too.

Vucevic did not rebound particularly well in the preseason. He averaged 5.8 rebounds per game with a 19.8 percent defensive rebound rate in the preseason. Last year, he posted a 28.6 percent defensive rebound rate.

The team certainly expects him to pick things back up once the regular season begins.

The biggest concern on the glass might actually come from Mohamed Bamba.

Bamba averaged 4.8 rebounds per game in the preseason and posted a 19.5 percent defensive rebound rate. Last year, Bamba had a 21.3 percent defensive rebound rate.

Bamba has improved strength for sure. And he does a good job running the floor and attacking the offensive glass. But a big part of his development will be battling on the glass better and securing rebounds to start the Magic’s transition attack.

Orlando should not be too worried about its rebounding overall. As the team reigns in its defensive principles, it should get back to this being a strength to close out its defense.