Practice Report: Magic's Training Camp Breeding Competitiveness Early

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley called Wednesday "a really good day," citing the high-energy environment of practice as competitive and encouraging.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and center Wendell Carter Jr. huddle during the Magic's second training camp practice. / Orlando Magic/Twitter

ORLANDO –– There was a lot for Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley to like about the second practice of training camp.

Two days ago, the practice facility played home to photo stations and cameras. Now, the real work has begun.

Over the coming weeks, the Magic will sort out position battles and minute shares for a team with aspirations of pushing farther than last season's breakthrough campaign. With fresh, healthy bodies and media day's glitz and glamor beyond them, it's a pivotal time for a team to come together and learn about itself.

The best way to do so is in a competitive atmosphere, and so far, the Magic's practices have that spirit.

"Today was the prime example of that," Mosley said. "We got up and down, we played. We were able to scrimmage a little bit. So I think just seeing the competitive nature of these guys, fighting for each possession, guys diving on the floor, making bell plays, getting after it defensively. Talking, communicating, extra pass, making the right play.

"All of those things are what we're asking each guy to do and they've grasped that so far. It's a good issue to have."

https://t.co/m3qYItuTYv pic.twitter.com/ESlIpC3GfK

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 2, 2024

It's NBA Year 14 for guard Cory Joseph, but his first with the Magic. This camp, as it does for fellow free-agent signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, features a heavy share of lessons to learn about new teammates and a new system.

"We're playing very hard. I think we have a group that competes very hard," Joseph said of his first impressions. Before he got too far into his next remark, though, Joseph stopped himself.

"We're getting used to – uh, well, I'm getting used to everybody," Joseph continued. "Me, KCP, the new guys, they're acclimating us into the system very well."

Cory Joesph, Jett Howard and Goga Bitadze shooting top of the key threes in the foreground, Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. on the far court.

Carter Jr. again sporting a wrap on his left hand. #Magic pic.twitter.com/aFRwUVsoEA

— Mason Williams (@mvsonwilliams) October 2, 2024

Given his experience, there's not much Joseph hasn't seen around the league. He's been an NBA champ and played with some of the best players in the sport's history. When it comes to integrating himself somewhere new, Joseph explained the process of picking apart a new system and digesting information.

He's played against the Magic in the past, but Joseph said the feeling is different when suiting up in the same uniform and gelling with a unit every day. He's a point guard, responsible for helping set the table for others as much as he is maintaining his own game. Low-stress reps help aid that effort, but game-like situations from scrimmages accelerate it.

"It was fun," Joseph said of Wednesday's action. "We were competing, obviously some things to clean up and work on for sure, but it was fun. You get out there as a basketball player, you want to compete, so that's what we were doing."

Overall, the Magic are keyed in on the typical things any team is at the early stages of a season: getting conditioning in order, establishing communication, and staying healthy while doing so. Everything else Orlando wants to do would falter if not built off that foundation.

It's early, but the intent on display is encouraging.

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

• MAGIC ANNOUNCE SERIES OF BASKETBALL OPS CHANGES: The Magic made 23 staff additions and promotions official on Wednesday afternoon. See the list. CLICK HERE
• BANCHERO WELCOMING 'HELL OF A CHALLENGE' IN EAST: To repeat or improve upon last year's success, the Magic face stiff competition in a top-heavy East. Paolo Banchero understands that, but he's got big aspirations this season. CLICK HERE
• YEAR 12 BRINGS KCP NEW LESSONS: Day one of Magic practice for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope meant equal parts teaching and learning. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC, SUGGS WORKING TOWARD EXTENSION: Jalen Suggs is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension with the Orlando Magic until Oct. 21. Both team and player on Monday expressed hope for a deal in the place that 'raised' the fourth-year guard. CLICK HERE
• MEET MRS. MAGIC: Step inside the classroom of Mrs. Jennifer Lopez, a.k.a Mrs. Magic: a fourth-grade teacher who meshes her love for the Orlando Magic and her students’ learning experience into one daily occurrence: “Magic Math.” CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S FULL 2024-25 SCHEDULE: As the season approaches, get familiar with the dates and times Orlando takes the floor this season. CLICK HERE

Want more Orlando Magic coverage on Sports Illustrated?

Follow 'Orlando Magic on SI' on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.