Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley and second-year forward Paolo Banchero both dismissed speculation of friction between them after comments made by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on Wednesday’s “Hoop Collective” podcast suggested the pair might not be on the same page.
Mosley told reporters before Wednesday night’s game that he pays little attention to outside chatter. “That’s outside opinion,” he said, emphasizing that he and Banchero share “a constant level of competitiveness” focused on winning.
Following the victory that ended Orlando’s four-game skid, Banchero also pushed back. “Whatever those reports are, I wouldn’t say those are true,” the forward stated, adding that while losing is frustrating, he and Mosley remain “pretty aligned” in working through issues. “We haven’t had any blowups or arguments,” Banchero added. “Winning cures all. The more we win, the more quiet those reports will get.”
Southeast Roundup
Jonathan Isaac’s Role: Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, a healthy scratch three times this month and averaging a career-low 10.1 minutes entering Friday, said he is not upset about the reduced workload. “Coach is trying to figure out what works,” Isaac explained. “My job is to work really hard, try to make it easier on the players around me and be a disruptor on defense.” He logged 13 minutes in Friday’s win over Toronto.
Heat Options: Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that if Miami cannot swing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the club should consider moving assets to avoid remaining stuck “on the hamster wheel of mediocrity.”
Trae Young on Alex Sarr: In an ESPN.com feature, Ramona Shelburne reports that the Washington Wizards hope point guard Trae Young can accelerate the development of second-year center Alex Sarr. Young praised the 7-footer’s intelligence and defensive instincts, noting, “He was the No. 2 pick for a reason—he’s got a lot of talent and potential and I want to be part of the process to bring it out.”
The Magic return to action Monday, while the Heat and Wizards each continue evaluating roster strategies as the season progresses.
Source: Hoops Rumors
