Preseason revealed how the Orlando Magic still need to grow
Where the Orlando Magic still need to grow
Offense: Moving the ball
There are three really important factors the Orlando Magic need to improve on in order to score more points and improve the offense: ball movement, getting to the line and taking care of the ball.
The Magic were 20th last year in assists with 23.7 per game. They averaged 23.8 in the preseason. This is another minimal improvement. They have a lot of young players that like to Iso and try to create their own shot.
They were sixth in drive and kick passes that lead directly to a shot but they only shot 35 percent on those which is lower than the league average. They need to make an extra pass or take a few dribbles toward the rim and shoot or make another pass.
The next and possibly most important part of their offense that needs to improve is getting to the line.
The Magic were 29th in free throws attempted last year with 19.7 free throws per game. They were one of four teams who averaged fewer than 20 free throws per game. They were also 28th in free throws made per game with 15.5 per game.
They were 11th in free throw percentage shooting 78.7 percent last season. So they convert their problem is getting to the line. They need to take strong takes at the basket and try to get to the line. Their lack of attempts at the line makes their offense much weaker.
They had Franz Wagner, who was top 25, in free throw percentage and Cole Anthony, who was top 30. But both attempted fewer than four free throws per game.
Getting to the line with a team of good free-throw shooters is crucial, and they can get free points at the line if they can get there more.
They attempted 22.6 free throws per game and made 18.2 per game in the preseason. This is a good improvement but you still want to see those numbers go even higher when the regular season starts.
They also shot 80.5 percent in the preseason which is another great improvement.
Lastly, they need to take care of the ball. Last year they were tied for 27th with 14.5 turnovers per game.
Turnovers give opposing teams easy opportunities for points and gives them fewer possessions to score on a struggling offense. Last year opponents scored 16.8 points per game off of the Magic’s turnovers and scored 12.2 points in transition.
That is unacceptable.
Cole Anthony was 24th in the league in turnovers per game. If he is going to run the offense he needs to step up and take care of the ball.
The more opportunities the Magic have the more chances they will have to score.
If the Magic can take care of the ball then they will benefit on offense and defense.