Banchero Questions Magic Offense as Orlando Enters All-Star Break Struggling
banchero-questions-magic-offense-all-star-break
ORLANDO, Fla. — Forward Paolo Banchero voiced frustration with the Orlando Magic’s half-court attack after Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee, saying the team’s record “answers that question” when asked if the offense is reaching its potential.
Orlando ranks 23rd in points per possession in the half court and sits 28-25, seventh in the Eastern Conference. Injuries to Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner have hampered continuity, while floor spacing issues persist despite the offseason trade for Desmond Bane. The club is 16th in offensive rating and owns a −0.4 net rating, 17th in the league. After finishing second and third in defense the past two seasons, the Magic have slipped to 14th.
Center Wendell Carter Jr. said offensive struggles are spilling over to the other end. “When it’s not going our way offensively, we allow it to affect our effort… and that’s something, as a fairly young team, that we have to do a better job of,” he noted.
President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has publicly supported head coach Jamahl Mosley, but the front office could revisit that stance if results lag following the break.
Familiar Mid-Season Position
At the break, Orlando’s record mirrors recent seasons: 30-25 two years ago and 27-29 last year. Both campaigns ended with first-round playoff exits. “We’ve kind of been in the same position every year,” Banchero said. “We’ve got to come out hungry off the break and figure out what type of team we want to be.”
Around the Southeast
Washington: Rookie center Alex Sarr believes pairing with Anthony Davis will be “pretty seamless,” citing each player’s ability to operate inside and out.
Washington: Third-year wing Cam Whitmore will miss the rest of the season after a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder led to three surgeries. Whitmore discussed the condition with Monumental Sports Network play-by-play announcer Chris Mills.
Atlanta: Two-way guard RayJ Dennis set a College Park Skyhawks record with 47 points on Thursday, becoming the first player in franchise history with multiple 45-plus-point games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
