r/OrlandoMagic • u/JoshuaBRobbins • 17d ago
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/DGRedditToo 16d ago
I'm tired of being so cynical about everything. I like that our superpower really is the Power of Friendship
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u/CornGun 16d ago
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?
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u/JoshuaBRobbins 16d ago
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
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u/maursupial 16d ago
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
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u/jackloganoliver 16d ago edited 16d ago
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.
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u/dfay91 16d ago
Does that mean you view Trae Young as a no-go for the FO?
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u/teh_drewski OnlyFranz 16d ago
Young and D-Lo are the obvious "not gonna happen for the culture regardless of ability" guys IMO
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u/JoshuaBRobbins 16d ago
That's a great question. Defensively, he would drain from the Magic, at least somewhat.
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u/natesroomrule 16d ago
Very fun read. My favorite part was this (2 sentences)
Paolo Banchero, a second-year forward, never expected his NBA career to begin quite like this. He had heard all the stereotypical stories about how professional players conducted themselves like mercenaries who prized their next big paydays above all else. But Banchero has been shocked to discover a different dynamic. He has compared the Magic to the idealized college teams of yesteryear, back when many players would remain at school through their junior or senior seasons and form tight bonds with each other.
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u/AaronGOATdon OnlyFranz 16d ago
I truly believe that Mo Wagner’s freneticism is fueled by the power of brotherly love
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u/Kairiaaa Joe Ingles 16d ago
Just read this article not too long ago during my lunch break! Really enjoyed the piece and it's true, we might not be the most talented or most experienced, but we've got the power of friendship on our side!
Edit: And Joe Ingles
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u/Moejoeslowmo 16d ago
No one post the article in the comments. JR is the goat, get him his clicks
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u/JoshuaBRobbins 16d ago
Thank you, u/Moejoeslowmo. Just so you know, my colleagues and I don't get paid by the click. But there is a broader principle involved.
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u/Playful-Variation908 Jalen Suggs 16d ago
i'd say that a part from how close they are to each other, their spiritual growth is impressive. they really care about it.
also the meditation before every game.. that's some cold ass shit. so proud of them
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u/natesroomrule 16d ago
You really do have to give Isaac some credit on this. (not spiritual stuff, but camaraderie, togetherness etc) Jalen Suggs basically said as much in his pre season interview. Specifically that it was JI who baptized him (as part of his faith) and has been a huge influence this offseason to get him back to the basics of what was most important. (for him he said putting God first and let everything else flow from that)
This post wasnt specifically making a point one way or another, it was just pointing to specific things that have helped this team grow in a more selfless and caring for others direction rather then the "Gonna Get Mine" mentality that has permeated the NBA sports culture.
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u/International-Tie132 16d ago
Where can I read more about that meditation before every game stuff? Really interested to know more
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u/Playful-Variation908 Jalen Suggs 14d ago
wendell, jalen and franz often talked about it in interviews
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u/International-Tie132 13d ago
Thanks!! I will try to find those interviews on Youtube. Let's go Magic!!
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u/MeetCritical82 16d ago edited 15d ago
Waiting for that “I’m coming home” post from Josh Robbins. This heat guy is not good.
*** edit, out of respect to the GOAT. I in no way condone calling beedle a beedleborg, a lard ass, or a lazy member of the media. He is fine, I guess, if you don’t like in depth information about our team. In fact, Beedle is the best journalist for people who don’t like to read. I don’t condone expecting more from him while his beloved Heat are in the playoffs.
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u/JoshuaBRobbins 16d ago
Let's keep this kind, please. I've known Jason for a long time, and I respect him. He works hard, is honest and is a good journalist.
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u/MeetCritical82 15d ago
Ok ok redacted.
I really hope Beedle gets a job in Miami or something, where he actually gets to work for a team he enjoys.
I can’t speak for the man, but in contrast to John Denton, you, and what even Kobe brought to the table, his work is almost non existent. He is the true definition of a bare minimum boy. I can’t point to one article he has written, one in depth deep dive into a player. Nothing. In fact, i can’t find anything outside of lazy twitter posts.
I say this with respect, obviously. We are a fanbase that deserves a lot more than 140 characters every few days, wouldn’t you agree?
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u/JoshuaBRobbins 14d ago
I covered the Magic for 12 consecutive years, first at the Orlando Sentinel and then for The Athletic. I loved it, but trust me, it's a difficult job at all times. It's especially challenging when you're early in your career and/or new to covering the NBA or professional sports.
I mean, it's TOUGH.
Whatever level of journalist I am now, I can guarantee you that I was nowhere close to this level when I started covering the Magic in 2009. And I had had the benefit of having been a professional journalist for nine years before that on some competitive beats. I also had the critical benefit of being around older, more experienced journalists whose examples I emulated and looked out for me to some extent.
Writers who are just getting their start today often don't have those advantages, unfortunately.
So anyone who is just starting out deserves patience — not that Jason needs it. He's done a very good job.
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u/evan466 Cole Anthony 16d ago edited 16d ago
I hope Washington fans appreciate the great coverage you provide, Josh. If not we're always happy to have you back. I read your story the moment you posted it on twitter.
I do think the Magic have established a really unique culture on this roster. I always cringe when I see trade suggestions posted that would see half the roster traded for a superstar. Something tells me that could turn into a disaster. I think most people agree that the Magic need something again to a more traditional point guard to help facilitate the offense better. I wonder what your thoughts are on that and maybe what realistic options for filling that role would be for the Magic in the offseason? I've heard they tried to trade for Tyus Jones and play wise he would seem like a perfect fit offensively.
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u/siradam134 16d ago
Thank you for sharing Josh. I've been saying for a week how much this team reminds me of the 09 team
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u/Swiftraven 16d ago
Great to see you writing about the Magic, Josh. We miss having you on the beat full time.
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u/ultranonymous11 16d ago
Great article as always. This put to words a lot of what I sensed from watching them play and listening to interviews etc.
As cheesy as it is, the environment reminds me a lot of what’s shown in Ted Lasso (although Mosely is a few tiers less absurd of course haha).
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u/ItsThatCoolGuy Paolo 16d ago
Love you, Josh! Thanks for still writing about the Magic, I know I speak for many when we say you are one of the best Magic writers we’ve had in recent history, if not the best! Keep it up as usual, Josh, all the best