Orlando Magic Daily
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Top 5 Orlando Magic lineups to try this season

By Harrison Brown

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on October 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on October 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 04: Paolo Banchero #5 and Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic celebrate a point against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 04: Paolo Banchero #5 and Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic celebrate a point against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) /

5 ideal lineups for the Orlando Magic

Positionless Lineup: Anthony Black/Joe Ingles/Franz Wagner/Paolo Banchero/Jonathan Isaac

This is a really exciting group. The average height is 6-foot-9.5 and would be worth the watch.

The unit would focus on the defensive side of the ball. They would be able to switch a lot of picks while collectively crashing the boards.

Strength would be a limitation as there are stronger centers that Jonathan Isaac simply cannot hold his ground against, but help defense would be an emphasis.

Orlando would try to create turnovers and steals while using their length to disrupt passing lanes and deflections when opposing players handle the ball.

Anthony Black is the perfect player for this unit. His ability to pass and see over the top of defenses is an asset.

He will be able to push the pace and find open shooters or cutters during fast breaks. Black can also pass in a crowd with his size and length so he can penetrate defenses in the half-court similarly to Markelle Fultz.

Black has shown he has the ability to knock down open threes. This will expedite his route to playing time. Joe Ingles and Franz Wagner will prevent defenses from collapsing while Jonathan Isaac can also make open shots.

The shooting with this group gives Paolo Banchero a significant amount of room to catch the ball in the high post, square up to the basket, and attack his defender.

Banchero is one of the best at attacking defenders and has shown a new level of passing so far through 11 games. Defenses will have no choice to collapse on him when he drives so he can either get fouled or pass to an open shooter. One defender cannot stop him.

Black, Ingles and Wagner will be larger than every defender guarding them. They will be able to shoot over smaller defenders or cut to the lane for easier finishes at the rim.

Quick pick and roll actions will prevent defensive sets and the Magic will be able to capitalize. The lineup will give defenses matchup nightmares and will force bigs to close out to Isaac and Banchero.

There are reports Black has been working around the clock to improve his shot and if this improvement continues then this lineup will be a requirement.

If all five players in this unit can shoot at an average clip then this is the future of basketball. Each player can guard at least three positions and are quick enough to recover on defensive assignments to contest shots.

Jeff Weltman has always enjoyed bringing in long, tall players that exude potential. This is Orlando’s chance to implement his brand of basketball.

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