The start of the 2023 season has been filled with positivity and hopefulness for the Orlando Magic. It has seen Paolo Banchero get off to a historic start. It has seen the team play more energetic and exciting basketball.
It has seen young players emerge with some real playing time and some veteran players (Terrence Ross, he is the only one) get rejuvenated. The Magic can clearly see all the pieces on the board for them to assemble.
But there is still a long way to go. And the frustration that comes from something taking so long to develop is palpable.
The Magic do not have the results to match the effort they have put in. All the Magic can do right now is remain positive that things will come together with this extremely talented group of players.
The Orlando Magic continue to see a lot of positive moments from their team but continue to struggle to pull all those moments together as they stayed winless on the season.
That was the case once again as the New York Knicks sent the Orlando Magic to 0-4 for the first time since the 2014-15 season with a 115-102 win at Madison Square Garden.
The Magic again remained fairly competitive but continued to make repeated mistakes that cost them time and time again. Whether it was turnovers — 13 leading to 20 Knicks points — rushed shots and poor ball movement — just 14 assists on 36 field goals — or poor shooting — 7 for 35 from beyond the arc — the Magic could never quite get over the hump.
The Knicks made all the key plays and stayed in control, torching the Magic’s defense throughout the game Monday. When Orlando did make its run and fight back, Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle would make a key shot and take advantage of some mistake to put the game firmly out of reach.
"“It’s a process,” Banchero said after Monday’s game. “We’ve got 78 more. We’ve just got to come with a higher level of focus, a higher level of urgency. We play again Wednesday. Just look to get that first win and build off of it. It’s not going to be easy. No team is going to hand us a win, we’ve got to go get it.”"
Still, even with an 0-4 start, the Magic can look at the bright side. There is a lot that feels different about this year.
And for the Magic themselves, there is still a lot to like.
Cole Anthony who has improved his play with more of a workload scored 14 points. He is averaging 19.5 points per game on the year. Even while shooting 6 for 18 from the floor, he was aggressive and under control for most of the game. As the team’s only point guard right now, that pace he provides is vital.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic in scoring with 21, continuing his surprisingly torrid start to the season. The kind of start that has put him in the same conversation as several hall of famers.
Banchero is the most promising point of the year so far. He has scored 20 points in each of his first four games this year. That is second behind Elvin Hayes and Oscar Robertson to start their careers among top overall picks.
Banchero is the main reason for the optimism. He has burst onto the scene and even for a number one pick, has impressed mightily thus far.
As for the rest of the team, there is more to be desired but nonetheless positives to be taken home.
Franz Wagner has been a point of concern this year as his numbers have dropped and the point guard experiment has gotten off to a rocky start. Monday, he was the only player with a positive plus/minus and led the team in assists. But he struggled to get himself going as he has all year while being one of the main ball-handlers for the team.
Take that with a grain of salt though. This Magic team certainly needs a true point guard and with Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs out, they really feel that on the court.
Wendell Carter was the breakout player for the Magic last season. He had 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Knicks. He has taken a bit of a step back as Banchero has emerged as the first option but he is still a double-double machine (three out of four games this season).
Another pleasant surprise this year has been Bol Bol. Despite inconsistent minutes, Bol has produced and looks to be at least a serviceable role player and backup this season. He was second on the team in scoring with 19 points, showing his versatility as a big who can handle the ball and attack the basket.
"“I feel like every game I have gotten better,” Bol said after Monday’s game. “I’m seeing stuff happen each game. The game is starting to slow down more. This is new to me, playing in the rotation. I know I’m playing every night. It’s something I’m honestly still getting used to. The more I get comfortable with that, the more the game will open up for me.”"
How long will this positivity last? Can the Magic sustain these good vibes and feelings without the wins that come with it? Those questions are starting to come to a point as the frustration for the team starts to build.
For some, it may have already went away. And understandably so, 0-4 is poor.
Wins need to come for the Magic sooner than later. But for now, that is not the fairest way to judge their play.
Getting stuck on the “bottom line” would be too unrealistic. There is still a lot to feel positive about with this team. And the team is continuing to fight.
When the Magic get that first win, they should come in bunches with what this team is building and learning.