Jamahl Mosley Stresses New Style of Play for the Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is in a very unique situation as a franchise.
The Magic has a young core, not just a single emerging superstar, and is trying to put it all together and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Unlike in years past, this version of the Magic is expected to be around for several years and make it out of the first round.
According to coach Jamahl Mosley, protecting the basketball will be key to success down the road.
After their second preseason win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mosley had mostly good things to say.
“You know the one thing that stands out, because it’s a thing that we talked about in training camp, is taking care of the basketball," Mosley said. "We had 14 [turnovers] tonight, a couple of them unforced, but I think our ability to keep taking care of the basketball and sharing the basketball – 27 assists – I like our guys’ willingness to share and understand.”
Jamahl Mosley won't have the easy task of organizing a young Magic roster.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The 14 turnovers are less than ideal, but as long as the Magic win, fans won’t complain about the box score. Last season, Orlando averaged 15.1 turnovers, good for sixth-most in the league. In their two preseason games, they are yet to match that number.
Mosley also praised the 27 assists, which is four more than the Magic averaged last season (26th in the league). In both their wins, Orlando has posted more assists than last season.
The willingness to move the ball is key to Mosley’s plan.
“Said it last year as well, [ball handling is] gonna be done by committee and guys are willing and wanting to step into that way of playing up until the end,” Mosley said.
With their length and athleticism, moving the ball around the perimeter and into the paint via passes instead of drives should boost efficiency, both inside and outside the three-point line.
With a very young roster, there will be several games where the game plan goes out the window and Orlando just looks sloppy and unpolished, but with a team-friendly plan of attack that players seem to have bought into, the Magic are looking good as they move forward.
