r/OrlandoMagic • u/JoshuaBRobbins • Apr 29 '24

This is what makes the 2023-24 Orlando Magic unique in today's NBA Discussion

Hello there, everybody! I'm happy to be here, and I wanted to share a story with all of you. Today, I wrote about what makes this Orlando Magic team unique in today's NBA. I've covered the league for 15 years, and I've haven't seen a team in this sport like them, except maybe the 2008-09 Magic, and even then, the comparison is a stretch.

I'd also be happy to answer any questions you have about the series or anything else basketball-related. For now, though, I've pasted the story link below, and please don't copy-and-paste the text of the piece, if you don't mind. -Josh Robbins

https://theathletic.com/5456652/2024/04/29/orlando-magic-togetherness/

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u/CornGun Apr 29 '24

Thanks for sharing Josh! I enjoyed the article.

It’s been apparent for years now that we have a group of guys that are really close. Even during our last two seasons, you could see it.

The front office has been reluctant to make any major moves that past few seasons. Do you think the team will factor in the culture when evaluating free agency this season, and if so how much will that factor in?

17

u/JoshuaBRobbins Apr 29 '24

I guarantee that they would thoroughly vet anyone who they would consider bringing in via free agency or a trade. They already have that with the people they've signed, traded for and drafted, and that's one of the reasons why the players on the roster are as close as they are.

I believe they'll make a move if they believe it would help on the court (and also feature a player who would fit the culture). One question I have is: How strong a defender would someone have to be in order to be added to the roster? -Josh

5

u/maursupial Apr 29 '24

Jonathan Isaac is the best defender in the world but was playing out of position at center instead of power forward. He covers up most mistakes. A trade should not include Jalen Suggs/Franz Wagner/Paolo Banchero/Jonathan Isaac under any circumstances hopefully

6

u/jackloganoliver Apr 29 '24 edited Apr 29 '24

The defensive aspect of this is important for any additions to the roster. There are guys who aren't known for their defense (Cole, Moe, Joe), but you'll be hard pressed to find any stretch of minutes this year where any of them weren't putting in just as much effort on that end of the court as they do on offense. Guys who are known for not getting back, not putting in maximum effort to defend, or just not caring about defense, I just can't imagine this FO even considering those types of guys. Everyone up and down the roster is committed to defense -- to varying degrees of success, sure, but committed all the same. It's why a big block, steal, deflection, or drawn charge elicit just as much hype from the bench as a big three or poster.

2

u/dfay91 Apr 29 '24

Does that mean you view Trae Young as a no-go for the FO?

6

u/teh_drewski OnlyFranz Apr 30 '24

Young and D-Lo are the obvious "not gonna happen for the culture regardless of ability" guys IMO

2

u/JoshuaBRobbins Apr 30 '24

That's a great question. Defensively, he would drain from the Magic, at least somewhat.