Orlando Magic’s Offense Faces Challenges Despite Desmond Bane Acquisition
The Orlando Magic are no strangers to offensive struggles. For a team that has consistently found itself languishing in the lower tiers of offensive efficiency, the statistics tell a sobering story. Since the 2015-16 season, the Magic have failed to break into the top 18 for halfcourt offense in non-garbage time situations. This year marks a particularly stark reminder, as they haven’t cracked the top 10 since the 2010-11 season, a drought that has left fans yearning for a more potent attack.
Reinvention and Risk
As the 2023-24 season approached, the Magic made a bold move with the acquisition of guard Desmond Bane in a high-profile trade this past June. Known for his sharpshooting capabilities, Bane was seen as a critical piece in Orlando’s quest to overhaul their offensive identity. The hope was that bringing in one of the league’s elite shooters would inject a much-needed spark into the lineup.
Yet, despite these high hopes, the results have been mixed. While there has been some improvement, Bane’s arrival hasn’t entirely transformed the Magic’s offensive woes. As noted by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, “One of the NBA’s most remarkable stats is that the Magic haven’t finished inside the top 20 in offensive rating since the 2011-12 season.” The expectation was that Bane’s presence would change this narrative, but the early returns have been disappointing.
Bane’s Slow Start
Bane has struggled to find his rhythm, beginning the season with a career-low shooting percentage from beyond the arc at just 31.5%. This decline comes on the heels of the second-lowest number of three-point attempts in his career, averaging only 4.9 per game. The impact of this slow start is palpable, as the Magic currently sit at 20th in offensive efficiency, a position that raises eyebrows given their ambitions for the season.
Compounding the pressure, the team has stumbled out of the gate with a 1-4 record, prompting speculation about the future of head coach Jamahl Mosley. Sources within the organization suggested that his seat might be warming up, but those concerns have somewhat dissipated as the Magic have managed to string together victories, winning five of their last six games.
Upcoming Tests for the Offense
Looking ahead, the Magic face a crucial stretch in their schedule that will test their offensive capabilities. With 15 games looming on the horizon, it will be essential for both Bane and the team to find their footing. The coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether the gamble on Bane pays off or if the Magic’s offensive struggles will continue to haunt them.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Orlando to see if they can finally break free from the shackles of their past and establish a more dynamic and effective offensive presence.
