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3 goals for the Orlando Magic to make their focus in 2023

By Luke Duffy

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic congratulates Franz Wagner #22 while Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics stands on the court during the game at TD Garden on December 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic congratulates Franz Wagner #22 while Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics stands on the court during the game at TD Garden on December 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Mo Bamba of the Orlando Magic blocks a shot from Reggie Jackson of the LA Clippers (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

3 goals for the Orlando Magic in 2023

3. Be above average in a key category

This should be the base layer of any progression for the group. And as we have seen already, it is more than achievable. If you look at offensive and defensive rating each year, there is a correlation between who tops these charts, and who does well in the postseason.

There are anomalies, but for too long the Magic have languished in the bottom 10 in the league in both of these categories. So far this season, they rank 24th in offensive rating (110.7) and 26th in defensive rating (114.4).

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In other words, it has once again not been good enough and the recent losses to the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers highlighted this. A poor effort defensively compounded by a lack of sharpness on the offensive end.

It is likely no coincidence these were the two worst games Banchero has had in a Magic uniform so far. But it is not fair to expect him to carry this roster for an entire season as a rookie. He has done an amazing job so far.

In the Magic’s last 10 games, however, they have ranked 13th offensively (115.5) and an impressive seventh defensively (112.9). Broaden that to 15 games (to account for the poorer play before their win streak), and it is 22nd offensively (112.4) and 14th defensively (113.4).

All of which is to say, the Magic are capable of being an above-average team in both categories. That seems to be asking for too much, so prioritizing the defensive end (where they are fairing better anyway) should be an achievable goal to work towards. There is no reason not to do this.