Official 2025-2026 Regular Season Thread

[thelead]

Good Paolo breakdown:

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[VFX]

I'm not even worried about Bane's percentages so much as the process. He needs to be launching 3s. A lot of times he has enough space for one and kind of just bowling balls into the paint and gets blocked or turns it over. He's had some good moments driving too don't get me wrong, but that should be secondary to hitting 3s IMO.

Run more set plays for him as well, but man, just let it fly with no conscience. That is the kind of player we need to complement Paolo and Franz. Even if he shoots 37% (would be career low) instead of his career 41% the positive impact it would have on our offense would be immense I have to imagine. He's at 4.7 3s per game. I want 7+. I know we have less creation than what he had in Memphis, but he's gotten up 7 3s a game at 40% in his games without Ja, so I don't think he isn't capable.

I'm also not too worried about Bane - the player. His skillset was never under question of what he's capable of doing within the context of a system that emphasizes those abilities. That's kind of the point about criticism of the original acquisition that I think is lost on most of this board and Magic fandom in general (not saying you in particular, I think you get it).

Yes, he needs to be shooting. The question isn't volume. Good players don't really think this way when they are on the court within the context of a game. Bane is a smart player. He isn't Cam Thomas or Jordan Poole. He is going to make the best play on the court that makes the most sense at the time.

So, yet again, it really that boils down to the system as a whole. It's just not conducive to anyone outside of Paolo and Franz unless the opposing team has a traffic cone back court. This is just to assume we start seeing more games where Paolo or Franz have 7-8+ assists and not putting up 16-20 fga's each. Wishful thinking. I don't think Mosely is smart enough on that side of the court to reign that in. He's basically given Paolo the green light to do whatever he's wanted to do since he stepped on an NBA floor.

The issue now becomes that for Bane to live up to the gravity of that trade he will need to hit on shots more often at lesser volume. Either that, or Franz and Paolo have to play entirely differently than they have up to this point. Only one of those scenarios seem more likely, which is why taking the ball out of their hands and utilizing them off ball made more sense than acquiring a guy that needs volume and possessions to be efficient up to this point in his career.

It's kinda setting him up for failure unless you expect Paolo and Franz to play differently than absolutely everything we have seen including college. In a 6 game sample size, Suggs leads the team in APG at 4.3 and Paolo isnt far behind at 4. Thats terrible considering how often Paolo has the ball and the amount of touches he gets as a starter averaging 35mpg running a system that implies he's the "Point Forward Wing-Hub" without acquiring a true starting point guard. I'm not sure how people are coping with that up to this point outside of "its early this was expected"... yeah what if it was always the trend that was pointed out years ago? What then?

If we can find positives than Paolo moving the ball vs Hornets shows fan pressure have some sense. He played bad basketball for most of his time here but maybe he can adapt.
Even if he adapts his game we still have same old problems. No players to create advantage and make good decisions after that.
Suggs can create advantage with his strength and speed but he makes too many mental lapses.
Paolo can create advantage with his size but his handle is good only for a forward not for consistent driving to the rim. he also doesnt have good touch and often makes decision what to do before a play.
Wagner is not crazy explosive and also not crazy creative as a passer. Plays safe and efficient. Best option we have but also its hard to drive all game as a 6'10 guy. Same applies to Paolo.
Bane is not explosive, relies on screens which needs time to develop chemistry (that gives us hope) and cant space for himself when he has the ball.
Unless Suggs/Black shoot 40% from 3, Paolo moves the ball and Wagner takes more offensive usage we will have a problem. I am not even starting on WCJ.

It’s a twofold problem if you step back and look at it outside of the individual skillsets being presented here at base level….

On one hand it’s the system. Mosely has had iterations of the same blueprint with a constant revolving door of Gary Harris, KCP, and now Bane. None of those changes displayed a more efficient system at any point. Why? Because those changes don’t impact the actual system being run here. It’s attempting to find a solution to a different problem.

On the other hand it’s the construction of the roster. I say this every 3 months here just to remind people… Wendell Carter and Jonathan Isaac were rostered here well before the Magic selected, played, and handed max contracts to the core of this roster. They have remained here out of a convenience and not because their skillsets are the best possible use of salary next to actual investments.

Also, there has been ample evidence now as to what Franz, Paolo, and Suggs CANT AND CAN do on a basketball court with variability. Their skillsets don’t automatically change based on who is next to them. Paolo and Franz aren’t going to become 10x more efficient and jump from 3-4 assists per game to 7-8 because Desmond Bane can shoot a basketball better than KCP at volume while those two hoard 50-60% of possessions. Jeff Weltman doesn’t understand that.

If you have decided to pay Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner your two + max contracts, then logic would tell you that emphasizing their skillsets to a greater advantage would make sense. Getting those guys more efficient looks at the basket should be your goal. The problem? Neither are otherworldly shooters from outside, are terrific passers, or have shown tendencies to do either of those things consistently game to game.

[Kent]

I may be in the minority and I don't care — I like this team just as much as I did before the season started.

I have zero doubt that it will all work out.

[RookieStar]

I may be in the minority and I don't care — I like this team just as much as I did before the season started.

I have zero doubt that it will all work out.

I think a lot of us also like this team and we are just poking fun and riding the wave if negativity around here.

Any sensible person would realize that this is still "growing pains" or "acclimating" a new team.

[Skybox]

I may be in the minority and I don't care — I like this team just as much as I did before the season started.

I have zero doubt that it will all work out.

I think a lot of us also like this team and we are just poking fun and riding the wave if negativity around here.

Any sensible person would realize that this is still "growing pains" or "acclimating" a new team.

I agree and am in the same boat but with some logical concerns...this is RealGM, not RealCheerleader - we pick, we analyze, we dissect, we debate, but hopefully, we're all optimistic fans at the end of the day.

[Bensational]

I really want to see Paolo commit to being Point-Paolo more than not this season. I’m looking at other big playmakers and the impact they’re having: Jokic, Luka, Giddey, Giannis, Sengun, Jalen Johnson - I think Paolo should be competing with those guys for AST%. That seems to be when the team is firing best and getting the best mismatches. But the last 2 games Paolo has played point the 1st half and then not generated any assists in the 2nd half.

FT baiting is already his top X factor, but being a threat for double digit assists will unlock another level for him. We need Paolo to become a high scoring Ingles.

[Skybox]

I really want to see Paolo commit to being Point-Paolo more than not this season. I’m looking at other big playmakers and the impact they’re having: Jokic, Luka, Giddey, Giannis, Sengun, Jalen Johnson - I think Paolo should be competing with those guys for AST%. That seems to be when the team is firing best and getting the best mismatches. But the last 2 games Paolo has played point the 1st half and then not generated any assists in the 2nd half.

FT baiting is already his top X factor, but being a threat for double digit assists will unlock another level for him. We need Paolo to become a high scoring Ingles.

Triple Double Trouble

[Darth Magic]

Was that ANOTHER Black tunrover?

[Darth Magic]

Is Wendell...

[cedric76]

Looking at the recent lineups , i noticed a few things:

Penda is getting some time at SF/PF and TDS at SG/SF

So when Moe will be back we shouldnt have much of a logjam at Forward positions with us playing big lineups with TDS at SG and Penda at SF

[eyriq]

Our point differential is +0.6. ESPN Net Points has us at +0.8. Our target differential is +3.7 (expected 51 wins).

We are obviously not on a 51 win pace. But why?

Strengths aren't strong enough.

Magic identity ramp up: we aren't winning the effort and toughness categories by as much as we could.
-Offensive rebounds: +2.1
-Half-court 2's: +0.8
-Half-court rebounding: +0.5

Weaknesses haven't been addressed.

Still losing the "skill & speed" categories:
-Half-court 3's: -2.2
-Fast break: -0.7

I do think however that we have the personnel already in house to solve for these problems. It's on coaching to continue this positive momentum.

[Hogified05]

so going into Charlotte we were 1-4. The schedule then was @Charlotte, @Wash (those were non negotiable wins...which we did). 2-0...beat up the teams you were suppose to. 3-4 record now.

Then we go @Atl, v Boston, v Boston, v Portland, @NY, v Brookyln. I was saying at the bare minimum we have to go 6-2 during this stretch...7-1 or 8-0 would be ideal. NY would be the only game we are underdogs going in. You just have to beat Atlanta without Trae. Going 6-2 would put us at 7-6. That's the bare minimum we gotta do...because it gets more difficult after that stretch.

Anyway you slice it...gotta take advantage of this stretch badly. we have the @Houston, V GS, V Clips @ NY after. If we gain some confidence we could get some wins there. If we are below 500 still going into that...we are a 1st round exit

[Knightro]

If we gain some confidence we could get some wins there. If we are below 500 still going into that...we are a 1st round exit

Way too early to be making definitive statements like this.

Things change rapidly in the NBA. Month to month and sometimes even week to week.

[Knightro]

Orlando is the No.2 team in expected eFG%. They are 19th in actual FG%.

They are creating high-percentage looks in terms of where they’re shooting from and just haven’t made them consistently enough yet.

[fendilim]

Looking at the recent lineups , i noticed a few things:

Penda is getting some time at SF/PF and TDS at SG/SF

So when Moe will be back we shouldnt have much of a logjam at Forward positions with us playing big lineups with TDS at SG and Penda at SF

I think Moe still get the second unit C and Goga will move back to the bench.

What makes Moe effective is his efficiency around the rim, and having Goga share the court with him will only clog the paint for Moe.

[jezzerinho]

I hate "Assists" as a stat, because it relies on someone else to complete the counting stat for you (score). But adjusted assists is a bit better, as it takes account of secondary assists, potential assists etc.

Last year, the best 3 Eastern teams recorded the following Adjusted Assists from their top 3 starters (in assists)

Indiana
30 Adjusted Assists per Game

Boston
19.3 Adjusted Assists per Game

Cleveland
18.7 Adjusted Assists per Game

Orlando
16.2 Adjusted Assists per Game

We finished the season massively behind Indiana, with Hali leading and significantly behind Boston (White/Brown/Tatum).

This season, with the introduction of an offensive weapon in Bane, a fully healthy roster (bar Moe), a new offensive coordinator and a promised extra focus on offense, our Adjusted Assists figure so far is:

15.4 Adjusted Assists per Game

So far, we're going backwards on ball movement. And these are Adjusted Assists, so they take into account to a fair degree our cold-shooting start from outside.

This just isn't good enough. The eye test and the stats last year confirmed that - when the Magic are moving the ball even tolerably well - they win games. It seems nothing has been learned or nothing has been implemented AS YET.

Paolo has his part to play in this, as one of our designated initiators, and the most likely to decide to iso. But it extends to all our starters and to Jones/Black on the bench.

I'd even argue Suggs has been the biggest disappointment offensively so far.

It's a team issue, it's a coaching issue, it's a roster construction issue.

But its getting worse and not better, which is a problem.

[GelbeWand09]

I hate "Assists" as a stat, because it relies on someone else to complete the counting stat for you (score). But adjusted assists is a bit better, as it takes account of secondary assists, potential assists etc.

Last year, the best 3 Eastern teams recorded the following Adjusted Assists from their top 3 starters (in assists)

Indiana
30 Adjusted Assists per Game

Boston
19.3 Adjusted Assists per Game

Cleveland
18.7 Adjusted Assists per Game

Orlando
16.2 Adjusted Assists per Game

We finished the season massively behind Indiana, with Hali leading and significantly behind Boston (White/Brown/Tatum).

This season, with the introduction of an offensive weapon in Bane, a fully healthy roster (bar Moe), a new offensive coordinator and a promised extra focus on offense, our Adjusted Assists figure so far is:

15.4 Adjusted Assists per Game

So far, we're going backwards on ball movement. And these are Adjusted Assists, so they take into account to a fair degree our cold-shooting start from outside.

This just isn't good enough. The eye test and the stats last year confirmed that - when the Magic are moving the ball even tolerably well - they win games. It seems nothing has been learned or nothing has been implemented AS YET.

Paolo has his part to play in this, as one of our designated initiators, and the most likely to decide to iso. But it extends to all our starters and to Jones/Black on the bench.

I'd even argue Suggs has been the biggest disappointment offensively so far.

It's a team issue, it's a coaching issue, it's a roster construction issue.

But its getting worse and not better, which is a problem.

Just take the Washington game. Paolo had literally no interest in playmaking. I mean he had a big mismatch with the corpse of Khris Middleton defending him most of the time but still. I can remember him collapsing the defense and passing to a shooter 1 time.
Tyus didnt do much. AB was completely overwhelmed even with the basic playmaking tasks he has and had really bad TOs again. Even against a team like this, he couldn't drive to the basket when the defense was set and only got to the basket through fast breaks and when the defense was still disorganized. If your PG can't collapse the defense, it's going to be tough with the playmaking.
Jalen wasn't much better and was more of a 3&D SG anyway. Franz usage is really down, so his playmaking is down too but he has too many blinders when driving & rarely passes out to shooters. He tried to find Isaac a few times, which is always a bad idea with his bad hands.

It was a lopsided win vs. a bad defense but even in this game you saw why the offense is still super bad.

[jezzerinho]

I hate "Assists" as a stat, because it relies on someone else to complete the counting stat for you (score). But adjusted assists is a bit better, as it takes account of secondary assists, potential assists etc.

Last year, the best 3 Eastern teams recorded the following Adjusted Assists from their top 3 starters (in assists)

Indiana
30 Adjusted Assists per Game

Boston
19.3 Adjusted Assists per Game

Cleveland
18.7 Adjusted Assists per Game

Orlando
16.2 Adjusted Assists per Game

We finished the season massively behind Indiana, with Hali leading and significantly behind Boston (White/Brown/Tatum).

This season, with the introduction of an offensive weapon in Bane, a fully healthy roster (bar Moe), a new offensive coordinator and a promised extra focus on offense, our Adjusted Assists figure so far is:

15.4 Adjusted Assists per Game

So far, we're going backwards on ball movement. And these are Adjusted Assists, so they take into account to a fair degree our cold-shooting start from outside.

This just isn't good enough. The eye test and the stats last year confirmed that - when the Magic are moving the ball even tolerably well - they win games. It seems nothing has been learned or nothing has been implemented AS YET.

Paolo has his part to play in this, as one of our designated initiators, and the most likely to decide to iso. But it extends to all our starters and to Jones/Black on the bench.

I'd even argue Suggs has been the biggest disappointment offensively so far.

It's a team issue, it's a coaching issue, it's a roster construction issue.

But its getting worse and not better, which is a problem.

Just take the Washington game. Paolo had literally no interest in playmaking. I mean he had a big mismatch with the corpse of Khris Middleton defending him most of the time but still. I can remember him collapsing the defense and passing to a shooter 1 time.
Tyus didnt do much. AB was completely overwhelmed even with the basic playmaking tasks he has and had really bad TOs again. Even against a team like this, he couldn't drive to the basket when the defense was set and only got to the basket through fast breaks and when the defense was still disorganized. If your PG can't collapse the defense, it's going to be tough with the playmaking.
Jalen wasn't much better and was more of a 3&D SG anyway. Franz usage is really down, so his playmaking is gone too but he has too many blinders too when driving & rarely passes out to shooters. He tried to find Isaac a few times, wich is always a bad idea with his bad hands.

It was a lopsided win vs. a bad defense but even in this game you saw why the offense is still super bad.

I do remember one from Paolo vs Wash, where he drew 2 defenders took it to the baseline and whipped it left for Bane or AB to score. But the fact it stood out to me is just another sign that our top ball handlers are not finding teammates at even a league average level.

Suggs to me is the biggest letdown. The run-and-gun offense we're trying to play is right in his wheelhouse and he's making a hash of it with the ball in his hands. If he doesn't improve, we're in trouble. Everyone else has their part to play, Franz (and the team) would be better with more usage, imo

[pepe1991]

I hate "Assists" as a stat, because it relies on someone else to complete the counting stat for you (score). But adjusted assists is a bit better, as it takes account of secondary assists, potential assists etc.

Last year, the best 3 Eastern teams recorded the following Adjusted Assists from their top 3 starters (in assists)

Indiana
30 Adjusted Assists per Game

Boston
19.3 Adjusted Assists per Game

Cleveland
18.7 Adjusted Assists per Game

Orlando
16.2 Adjusted Assists per Game

We finished the season massively behind Indiana, with Hali leading and significantly behind Boston (White/Brown/Tatum).

This season, with the introduction of an offensive weapon in Bane, a fully healthy roster (bar Moe), a new offensive coordinator and a promised extra focus on offense, our Adjusted Assists figure so far is:

15.4 Adjusted Assists per Game

So far, we're going backwards on ball movement. And these are Adjusted Assists, so they take into account to a fair degree our cold-shooting start from outside.

This just isn't good enough. The eye test and the stats last year confirmed that - when the Magic are moving the ball even tolerably well - they win games. It seems nothing has been learned or nothing has been implemented AS YET.

Paolo has his part to play in this, as one of our designated initiators, and the most likely to decide to iso. But it extends to all our starters and to Jones/Black on the bench.

I'd even argue Suggs has been the biggest disappointment offensively so far.

It's a team issue, it's a coaching issue, it's a roster construction issue.

But its getting worse and not better, which is a problem.

Just take the Washington game. Paolo had literally no interest in playmaking. I mean he had a big mismatch with the corpse of Khris Middleton defending him most of the time but still. I can remember him collapsing the defense and passing to a shooter 1 time.
Tyus didnt do much. AB was completely overwhelmed even with the basic playmaking tasks he has and had really bad TOs again. Even against a team like this, he couldn't drive to the basket when the defense was set and only got to the basket through fast breaks and when the defense was still disorganized. If your PG can't collapse the defense, it's going to be tough with the playmaking.
Jalen wasn't much better and was more of a 3&D SG anyway. Franz usage is really down, so his playmaking is down too but he has too many blinders when driving & rarely passes out to shooters. He tried to find Isaac a few times, which is always a bad idea with his bad hands.

It was a lopsided win vs. a bad defense but even in this game you saw why the offense is still super bad.

After Hawks who are as mediocre as it gets, and broken down Celtics, few very interesting games are scheduled.

Games vs Blazers, Knicks, Clippers, Warriors and Spurs will be very good indicator of how good this team is.


Tbh even Hawks and Celtics games will be interesting, without Trae, Hawks should be more competent on defense, but without much creativity on offense. I'm not very sure Trae is even neutral value in nba any more.
Celtics still do all the right stuff, just don't have menpower. Their rim defense and rebounding are so damn awful.

[VFX]

This season, with the introduction of an offensive weapon in Bane, a fully healthy roster (bar Moe), a new offensive coordinator and a promised extra focus on offense, our Adjusted Assists figure so far is:

15.4 Adjusted Assists per Game

So far, we're going backwards on ball movement. And these are Adjusted Assists, so they take into account to a fair degree our cold-shooting start from outside.

This just isn't good enough. The eye test and the stats last year confirmed that - when the Magic are moving the ball even tolerably well - they win games. It seems nothing has been learned or nothing has been implemented AS YET.

Paolo has his part to play in this, as one of our designated initiators, and the most likely to decide to iso. But it extends to all our starters and to Jones/Black on the bench.

I'd even argue Suggs has been the biggest disappointment offensively so far.

It's a team issue, it's a coaching issue, it's a roster construction issue.

But its getting worse and not better, which is a problem.

People should be watching Bane closely.

He will be the perfect example why the system is at fault. Forget about assists.. the guy isn’t getting touches. He took 5 shot attempts in the Washington game. That’s insane.

He wasn’t brought here to simply be an outlet. He was brought in as a consistent second or third option offensively to stretch the floor. Well, that idea goes out the window if Paolo and Franz are combining for 35-40 shot attempts nightly instead.

The assist numbers between Paolo and Franz are merely indicative of whether or not the ball is moving enough away from them to show that there is even remotely a scheme in place that involves anyone else in the starting lineup.

People can’t have it both ways:

You either believe a Franz and Paolo run offense without a point guard equates to them having high assist numbers with Suggs and Bane heavily involved….

Or you believe a “by committee” approach where everyone is efficient in isolation and the shooting numbers across the board go up.

Neither of those things are happening here.

It’s too early to know anything about Suggs. He isn’t consistently getting minutes over the duration of quarters. I think he’s looked better as an outlet and of course defensively as a playmaker.

I’m not really “joking” when I say Paolo has 1/8 games where you can squint your eyes and see that he’s capable of being a playmaking hub of an offense. Because that’s about how often you see it outside of taking 20+ shots.