Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero became increasingly displeased with head coach Jamahl Mosley’s late-game strategy before the organization fired Mosley on Monday, according to a report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Siegel wrote that Banchero was especially bothered when the ball was not in his hands during critical possessions down the stretch of the season. Although the 21-year-old and Mosley maintained a strong personal relationship, on-court tension grew as the team struggled to close games.
Orlando’s difficulties were highlighted in the playoffs, where the Magic surrendered a 3-1 series lead to the Detroit Pistons and fell in Game 7. After the loss, Banchero publicly stated that the team’s overall standard “needs to rise,” signaling his dissatisfaction with late-game execution.
The front office later cited the need for a “new voice” in explaining Mosley’s dismissal. The report indicates that Banchero’s concerns over end-of-game decisions factored into that evaluation.
Source: Hoops Wire
