10 observations from the Orlando Magic’s first 10 games

9. Orlando is still adjusting its rotation

With the Orlando Magic bringing back much of the same roster, it might have been easy to assume coach Steve Clifford would just return to the same rotation, inserting Al-Farouq Aminu as the only surefire guy to be part of this new group. The team opted to return Mo Bamba to his minutes as the backup center and Markelle Fultz would take over with some point guard minutes.

The continuity storyline was a convenient one to look at. It did seem it had some effect early in the season and then injuries disrupted the team’s training camp. Right now, Orlando is seemingly trying to rediscover its rhythm while still scratching out wins.

Clifford admitted the team did not have the training camp it wanted.

Orlando feels like it is deep. While the team does not have a ton of scoring depth this year, the team does have reliable players off the bench. There are good players the Magic are leaving on their bench.

Clifford has struggled to manage some of this early in the season. He has stuck to a 10-man rotation to include Michael Carter-Williams. It is hard to blame him, Michael Carter-Williams’ energy has been exceptional throughout the season. Although he still has his weaknesses on the offensive end especially.

Clifford is starting to ramp up the minutes for starters like Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. They are nearly back to their normal minute levels. But Clifford has remained hesitant to go to a full rotation. Or rather, Clifford is coaching according to a plan rather than as the game calls for.

Clifford has to settle in on his nine-man rotation soon. He has to find better combinations when he breaks the starting lineup — the Magic’s current starting lineup with Fultz has a +5.1 net rating in 118 minutes. And he has to be more willing to go back to his starters quicker when things go off the rails.

It took Clifford until late January to find the right combinations. When he did, he pulled all the right strings to keep the team moving in the right direction. So there is still time and Clifford has a process to get there.

But Clifford is very deliberate and will wait for evidence to help him make decisions. He is not going to try things without careful planning and thought behind it. That might leave Orlando flailing a bit as he seeks comfort in the right decision.

Right now, the Magic are still figuring out the combinations that will work for them.