The new NBA season is getting closer and closer with every day. Media Day always symbolizes the start of a new season, as teams get together, speak to the media, and kick off training camp.
Media Day is also a chance for fans to get a first glimpse at their favorite team and get a sense of the players’ energy and motivations for the seasons. Magic fans had been waiting to hear from their team for a while now. Everyone wanted to know what players and coaches had to say about the team’s playoff experience, the new offseason additions, and what the next steps would be for the young squad.
There was plenty to take away from the Magic’s Media Day interviews.
3. The Magic are still valuing togetherness
Most people value liking their coworkers, and while being a professional basketball player may not be a traditional job, it is still work. Working with people you enjoy being around can make a real difference. This young Magic team learned that quickly.
They all enjoyed playing with each other last season and were excited to get back together on Media Day. Pretty much every single player said they were looking forward most to getting back on the court with their teammates when asked what they were most excited about for the new season.
Those comments show that the Magic are still a unit, a brotherhood. Re-signing most of last season’s rotational players rather than bringing in several new faces in free agency had a lot to do with this. The Magic are banking on continuity and that unique connection to get them through the season.
Goga Bitadze even shared a heartwarming story about Wendell Carter Jr. coming up to him and praising his game when he stepped into the starting lineup in the wake of Carter Jr.’s injury. That is what you want to see from your team. It is much easier to succeed when everyone is helping their teammates be their best selves.
2. Homecourt advantage is on everyone’s mind
Homecourt advantage played a huge role in the Magic’s playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Every game was won by the home team, including Game 7 in Cleveland. That seems to be one thing that stuck with the Magic.
Securing homecourt advantage this season was on everyone’s mind. Everyone mentioned it as one of the goals for the season. It seems the Magic feel like they could have won their first-round series if they had had homecourt advantage.
Losing in that way offered an important lesson for the team, though. Several players brought up unnecessary losses from last season and the difference they could have made in the standings. Young teams are never perfect. There are always growing pains if all of your main guys are still young and developing, but the Magic are learning from their mistakes.
Everyone seems determined to not repeat those unnecessary losses and treat every game as if it will decide the outcome of the season. Winning the games they are supposed to win is definitely on the Magic’s to-do list.
Wendell Carter Jr. also mentioned that the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cory Joseph should help with that. Both are veterans who have played and won at the highest level and can keep the team on track.
1. Everyone loves the new additions to the roster
The Magic do not look much different than they did last season. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tristan da Silva, and Cory Joseph are the only new faces on the roster, while Markelle Fultz and Joe Ingles are not with the team anymore.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the biggest name on that list, and his new teammates seemed incredibly excited to get on the court with him. Everyone who was asked about it praised Caldwell-Pope and mentioned the defense, shooting, and veteran leadership he would bring. Moritz Wager said Caldwell-Pope was a “master at his role” and would add maturity on and off the court as well.
Several players are also excited to learn from Caldwell-Pope, most so Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black. Both have the potential to become elite two-way guards, and Caldwell-Pope has made a living in that role. He has a lot of wisdom to pass on to his young teammates.
The Magic’s choice to draft Tristan da Silva also caused plenty of excitement since he looks ready to contribute right away and can fill a very specific role. He also got his flowers at Media Day.
Cole Anthony, who apparently took da Silva under his wing a bit, said, “Da Silva is gonna be a hell of a player.”
When the Magic signed Cory Joseph, the news didn’t cause nearly as much uproar as when Caldwell-Pope decided to come to Orlando. Joseph will likely be more of a veteran presence and insurance at the point guard spot than a big contributor on the court. That doesn’t diminish his value, though.
Cole Anthony said Joseph was underrated, and Anthony Black mentioned that he hoped to learn plenty from the veteran point guard.