Orlando Magic Reveals Bold Prediction on Defense; Best in NBA?

The Orlando Magic hopes to have one of the best defenses in the NBA this season.

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic has high expectations coming into the season, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

As one of the longest teams in the league, the Magic prides itself on the defensive end and hopes to establish its identity there. Orlando finished last season tied for 14th in defensive rating with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, but the team hopes to grow in that area this season.

"Yeah, I mean, we have a lot of length, a lot of athletes and a lot of good guard defenders," rookie Anthony Black said. "So I feel like as long as we get the concepts down and we fly around, I think we could be a top 10 defensive team like we were after the all star break last year."

Black was viewed as a strong defender coming out of Arkansas, and he should contribute towards the team's ascent. Another key player on defense for the Magic is Jalen Suggs, who believes Orlando can be elite in this category.

"Top 10 is a given," Suggs said. "I think that is the floor for us. We should absolutely hit that mark. You know, just based on the talent, size and athleticism we have, you know, we're shooting to be top five."

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs stealing the ball from Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

While the players have lofty goals, coach Jamahl Mosley isn't as concerned about where the team places in the NBA hierarchy on defense as long as the team showcases effort night in and night out.

"I will add that we're gonna continue to work and compete every single day and the numbers will take care of themselves," Mosley said.

However, Mosley appreciates the fact that the Magic youth is confident in the team's abilities.

"I love and I embrace everything that our guys say because I think it's fantastic that we want to be there, but I want them to also understand that we gotta make sure that we're doing the things that will help us get there every single day," Mosley said.

The Magic will get a chance to showcase its improved defense on Tuesday in its preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.