Preseason revealed how the Orlando Magic still need to grow

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Wendell Carter, Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic, Andre Drummond, Brooklyn Nets

Wendell Carter and Mo Bamba were an interesting pairing last year for the Orlando Magic. But they will need to find their way on their own now. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Where the Orlando Magic still need to grow

Defense: Protecting the Paint

Protecting the paint and allowing no easy baskets will win the Orlando Magic a lot of close games this season, and allow them to play more aggressive defense.

Defense feels like it is becoming less important every yea. But in the playoffs, it is always the biggest factor. The Magic having a good defense could be the difference between them making the Paly-In Tournament.

In this preseason they have done a great job at locking up the opposing team’s best scorer who played that game. Ja Morant was held to 8-for-24 shooting in the Orlando Magic’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Caris LeVert shot 5 for 12 for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Yes, Morant had a strong showing in the Magic’s preseason debut. And Luka Doncic dropped 17 points in the first quarter of the Orlando Magic’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. There is still work to do.

This is a big step up as star players were known to have great games last season.

One thing they did not do great is fouling.

Playing good defense without fouling is a big factor in games. This is another way to bail out the opposing team after getting a stop or making a good defensive play. This is also another way they can give the other teams free points.

They fouled 23.2 times per game, which is more than they did last year at 19.7. They have to be able to play aggressively without fouling. This could also lead to key players getting in foul trouble. They need their best unit out there in close and late-game scenarios, so they have to keep their hands up.

The preseason is just a small sample size of what is to come but there are always takeaways. The Magic have shown a lot of promise and a lot to look forward to. They are a young team that is only getting better and they are showing that they are improving and improving fast.

Next. Orlando Magic spend their preseason exploring their roster. dark

They are showing they are a team to watch out for and not the same team from last year. With an improving defense and a hopefully improving offense, this team has the making of a play-in team or maybe even a playoff team.