The Orlando Magic currently find themselves with a bottom-five record in the NBA, 4-11 through the first 15 games.
This is not wholly unexpected as the team was in a similar spot most of last season and many of the same teams are sitting at the bottom of the standings – notably the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets.
But this does not mean there have not been positives.
Paolo Banchero is playing at a historic level for a rookie, Bol Bol has found a comfortable place in the rotation and Jalen Suggs is getting more comfortable running the show.
The growth is there. Unfortunately, the wins are not.
The same issues that have plagued the Magic during the past couple of seasons still remain – youth, injuries and shooting woes.
The Orlando Magic have had some positives early this season. But they are still young and learning how to play and that youth is evident in their shooting numbers.
The Orlando Magic currently possess the third youngest roster in the league, only the Oklahoma City Thunder are younger. Both Houston and Detroit are right there as well. Throughout NBA history, young teams have great potential. But it is tough for it to translate.
As for injuries, the Orlando Magic continue their seemingly legendary run of bad luck. All but two players have missed at least one game due to injury. Three key players – Garry Harris, Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz – have yet to appear in a game this season due to injury. Although Harris is set to make his season debut Friday in Chicago.
Even Paolo Banchero has missed four consecutive games.
This league does not care how young you are or how depleted your starting lineup is. The games keep coming.
The number one thing the Orlando Magic needed to improve on this year was shooting. There is growth in some categories and struggles in others. The numbers tell the story.