5 big takeaways from the Orlando Magic’s preseason

Orlando Magic: 5 takeaways from the preseason

Defensive pressure and identity

When the Orlando Magic hired Jamahl Mosley, everyone suspected he would put an emphasis on the defensive end. That is where he made his mark for the Dallas Mavericks. And while there were some fair questions about how that team fared, people generally believed they got the most from their talent.

There were some eyes rolled at the Magic adding another defensive-minded coach. This franchise is hungry for some scorers.

Then again, the Magic’s roster is built for defense. And many of the key players the team is starting to build around have made their name defensively. It is still a really good place to start for the franchise and for the team.

Perhaps the issue was the Magic’s best defensive teams came from the Stan Van Gundy tree. Both Stan Van Gundy and Steve Clifford preached a more conservative defensive strategy. They were more focused on keeping their man in front of them and avoiding chasing steals or getting out of position.

That is not the Mosley defensive scheme. This is a much different kind of defense. One that he seems to hope will permeate throughout the entire roster.

The Magic were much more physical and into their man defensively, pressuring ball handlers and trying to shoot into gaps for steals. They double and dig hard on the post. Orlando is looking to play an aggressive and energetic style of defense to spark fast breaks and create a different vibe and energy on that end.

This is not the typical strong defense. Orlando wants to use its length and rim protection to pressure and harass opponents.

The results were pretty good.

The Magic posted a 102.5 defensive rating during their four preseason games (that is currently 13th in the league). Offenses struggle in the preseason a lot, so expect that number to rise when the games start to count. But considering the Magic were at 113.9 last season — and 108.3 last preseason — that is quite a solid-looking improvement.

There will still be a lot to work on and improve. The team’s rebounding was very concerning — a 69.1 defensive rebound rate in the preseason is an atrociously bad number — and that led to open threes. The Magic are going to make mistakes within their defensive scheme.

Everyone seems to fit in though and the bones of a good defense are there.

Rookies Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner were impressive as defenders. Wendell Carter and Mohamed Bamba were both wreckers in the paint as shot blockers and rim protectors.

And this is all also happening without Jonathan Isaac.

The Magic’s defense is energetic and different. They have clearly tried to work to make this their backbone as a way to create an attitude and a swagger on the court. And the team’s success will be built on its defense.

Unlike previous years, this seems like a promising prospect and not just a table to stand on.