Franz Wagner Says Orlando Magic Has Made 'Huge Strides'

With the regular season just over a week away, Franz Wagner has seen improvement from the Orlando Magic.

ORLANDO - If the Orlando Magic is going to reach their goals this season, it'll have to play as a cohesive unit across all 82 games. 

While their regular season is just over a week away, Magic forward Franz Wagner has already seen drastic improvement from the team in its ability to communicate with one another. 

"We didn't play perfect basketball to this point," Wagner said. "But I do think that we've made huge strides and I really like how we're communicating all day. I think that's the biggest thing that we're seeing stuff and talking to each other."

Wagner saying the Magic already communicating well is a promising sign for a team that has its sights set on the playoffs. It also bodes well for the team to get off to a quicker start to begin this season. 

Franz Wagner is entering his third year as a pro.  / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Orlando got off to a 5-20 start and was never able to dig themselves out of that hole. While they crept into the playoff picture toward the end of the season, making the playoffs was always a steep climb after the abysmal start to the season. 

The Magic already communicating is a testament to the team essentially returning the same players plus the additions of rookie guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard and signing of veteran forward Joe Ingles in free agency. 

By returning mostly the same team, its experience together makes it easier for players to be on the same page and to understand that's expected of the players. Both things will be crucial for a young team that's look to take things to the next level this season. And if its ability to communicate is any indication, the Magic may be ready put itself on the map this season.