Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Still seeking a handle
Dec 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) celebrates after making a shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic are deep into their season now, and yet they do not have a good handle on their team. This week was as confusing as ever.
Frank Vogel sat before the assembled media before Sunday’s game and spoke a bit about the team’s season at the moment. This was before Sunday’s 109-79 loss to the Toronto Raptors seemed to throw things out of whack.
Vogel in that session, half joking, said he was still having a difficult time getting a grasp on his team. Nothing to be worried about. He said it takes time for a team to come together. It is a continual process throughout the season, one that gets better as the season goes on.
But there is nothing quite like this team. Vogel joked he does not envy Rob Hennigan’s position trying to ask Vogel what he needs to add to this roster.
In one moment it is everything. In another, it is offense to supplement the team’s stellar defense. The next, it is some defensive consistency to help an offense that is riding high.
The Magic are inconsistent at best. But inconsistent in different ways. Over and over again.
Vogel said in that media session he still believe he can shuffle the lineups to find a group that works. He said he likes to take stock of how his team and its lineups are performing every 10 games. The Magic reach Game 30 in Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat.
That might bring change with it. But that might still be a thought for further down the road.
As might plenty of other thoughts for change.
The previous week was a mixed one. The Magic went 2-2 with their offense looking strong. . . until it did not. Orlando won games against the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets before falling to the L.A. Clippers. That is hardly a disappointing loss. The Clippers won the game at the end with their star power.
Then Sunday’s game occurred, throwing the Magic into more uncertainty and questions. Orlando is still fighting to stay above water.
And Frank Vogel, just like everyone else, is still working to get a handle on his team.
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dunks backwards against the LA Clippers during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Gerald Bourget, Hoops Habit
1
Golden State Warriors
(24-4)
Last week: 3-0 recordLast rank: 1st
#ArrogantSZN was in full effect this week, from Draymond Green providing Defensive Player of the Year plays and backing it up with constant off-court trash talking, to Stephen Curry making shots and dapping up the opposing assistant coach, to assisting on 36 of their first 36 baskets against the Knicks, to a 45-point trouncing of the Blazers.19
Chicago Bulls
(13-13)
Last week: 0-3 recordLast rank: 12th
Reality can be a foul mistress, and the Chicago Bulls have joined the Knicks as the NBA’s biggest stories of regression to the mean. Surrendering a 21-point lead in a loss to former head coach Tom Thibodeau was bad enough, but watching the Greek Freak stifle Jimmy Butler not once, but TWICE (9-for-30 shooting over two games) was the cherry on top of a crummy week.20
Orlando Magic
(12-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 20th
Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton and a healthy Jodie Meeks are starting to make for a decent scoring punch off the bench, but this week is all about Evan Fournier, and how the Orlando Magic continue to misuse him.21
Portland Trail Blazers
(13-16)
Last week: 1-3 recordLast rank: 19th
Yes, this turned out to be a big week for Aaron Gordon. His 30-point outburst Wednesday against the L.A. Clippers was a career revelation. It showed exactly what he could be when he gets everything going the right way. The fact he was playing against much smaller defenders probably helped.
But his position remains a sitcking point for many. And it may very well may be holding him back.
Gordon went from scoring 33 points against the Clippers to 13 against the Nets (on 4-for-12 shooting) and just seven against the Raptors. He is still figuring out how to put everything together.
Dec 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard Trey Burke (33) defends during the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Moke Hamilton, Basketball Insiders
1
Golden State Warriors
(23-4)
Last week: 3-1 recordLast rank: 1st
The Dubs took care of their business on Thursday night, beating up on the depleted Knicks by a final of 103-90. What makes them scariest (and unstoppable) is how they share the ball. On Thursday night, they had 41 assists on 45 field goals. For them, having an assist rate of 80 percent or better is quite routine. It’s also amazing.19
Washington Wizards
(10-14)
Last week: 2-1 recordLast rank: 21st
The Wiz have won three of four and, very quietly, only trail the third seed in the conference by two games in the loss column. Fortunately, in the Eastern Conference, it only takes one winning streak to find yourself right back in the thick of things, huh?20
Orlando Magic
(11-16)
Last week: 1-3 recordLast rank: 19th
Elfrid Payton had just one 20-point game all season long prior to being sent to the bench for the team’s November 27 contest against the Bucks. Since then, he’s had two, including in Wednesday’s 131-120 victory over the Hawks—their only win in their last five, unfortunately.21
Denver Nuggets
(10-16)
Last week: 2-1 recordLast rank: 23rd
Elfrid Payton is another lightning rod for the Magic and their fans.
He is capable of big games. His performances against the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks brought a ton of optimism for what he can be.
But like with so many other player son this team, he is inconsistent. It is unclear whether he is going to attack and score with aggressiona nd get others involved or kind of float around in uncertainty.
Dec 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) shoots past the reach of Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) as forward Nikola Jokic (15) positions for the rebound during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
John Schuhmann, NBA.com
1
Golden State Warriors
(24-4)
Last week: 3-0 recordLast rank: 1st
In need of centers this summer, the Warriors took a flyer on JaVale McGee, who they’re paying less than $1 million on a non-guaranteed deal. So far, it looks like a genius move. After he started two games for Zaza Pachulia last week, the Warriors’ starters with McGee at center have outscored their opponents by 43 points in 44 minutes. Even with Pachulia back on Saturday, Steve Kerr used that lineup for a few minutes against Portland and it may be something he continues to call on when the games get important. Speaking of important games, the Warriors lost three of them in a row against Sunday’s opponent.19
Portland Trail Blazers
(13-16)
Last week: 1-3 recordLast rank: 18th
The Blazers have had other moments of reflection as they’ve gone 6-12 over the last five weeks, and they did get a good win over Oklahoma City on Wednesday. But losing to the Warriors by 45 points on Saturday was another nadir that elicited some locker room frustration. Their summer moves are not looking good. They’ve been outscored by 11.1 points per 100 possessions in 582 minutes with Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner on the floor together and Festus Ezeli (contemplating knee surgery) is getting paid $7.4 million to probably not play this season. They’re holding on to the eighth spot in the West, but have two games against the ninth-place Kings in the next 10 days.20
Orlando Magic
(12-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 19th
The December Magic are a lot different than the November Magic. Orlando has scored 10.3 more points per 100 possessions (the biggest OffRtg increase) and allowed 9.6 more points per 100 possessions (the second biggest DefRtg increase) in December than it did through November. The Magic got big games from starting forwards Serge Ibaka (29 against the Hawks on Tuesday) and Aaron Gordon (33 points against the Clippers on Wednesday) last week, but their starting lineup has been pretty bad, especially defensively, since it came together on Nov. 27. They are 5-2 on the road since the lineup change, with a couple of important road games (if they have playoff aspirations) this week.21
Denver Nuggets
(11-16)
Last week: 2-1 recordLast rank: 24th
The Orlando Magic’s defensive inconsistency is probably the most maddening part of the season.
Frank Vogel came in with the reputation of building a strong defense. And the Magic looked like they were getting there with a strong defensive road trip.
The past few weeks have flipped that on its head. The Magic are struggling to win with an inconsistent offense and moving away from their defense.
Dec 13, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated
1
Golden State Warriors
(24-4)
Last week: 3-0 recordLast rank: 1st
The Warriors are blatantly assist hunting while winning games, and I read somewhere that JaVale McGee is leading the league in dunks, so you tell me how this season is going.20
Denver Nuggets
(11-16)
Last week: 2-1 recordLast rank: 21st
The Nuggets (and Kings) have a tiny window into eight-seed contention in the West, thanks largely to Portland’s struggles. One of those three teams might pull the Warriors in the first round. Hide your eyes.21
Orlando Magic
(12-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 22nd
Although the greater narrative with Magic has been a lack of offense, they’re scoring in the middle of the pack in December. Small sample size, but it’s the defense that’s been in the bottom five this month.22
Sacramento Kings
(10-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 20th
The Orlando Magic entered the season believing their offense would be a weakness. Largely this season, the Magic offense has been bad.
But really the last two or three weeks, Orlando has been at least league average. Probably better than that with some of the scoring performances they have had.
That might be an illusion. The Magic have fallen flat on their face on several occasions since, culminating in Sunday’s dismal performance.
Dec 14, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32), DeAndre Jordan (6) and Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) go after the loose ball during the second half at Amway Center. LA Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 113-108. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Marc Stein, ESPN.com
1
Golden State Warriors
(24-4)
Last week: 3-0 recordLast rank: 1st
Four times already this season, Golden State has scored at least 135 points while recording at least 35 assists — a feat we haven’t seen since the 1990-91 season, when Boston did it six times and Portland did it five. No other team has recorded any such games this season. Tuesday night, then, will offer a contrast when Utah visits. The Jazz have allowed a league-low 95.4 points per game and are known for slowing the pace down better than anyone. The Dubs, though, have cracked triple digits in their past 10 meetings with Utah and are averaging a wild 123.2 points per game at home, which would put them in range of the all-time record (Denver’s 129.8 PPG in 1981-82) if they maintained it over the course of a full season.20
Portland Trail Blazers
(13-16)
Last week: 1-3 recordLast rank: 19th
On the Damian Lillard scale, Portland has quickly slid from “we kind of suck right now” to “we have to play with some damn heart.” I was on record coming into the season that I didn’t think the Blazers should be automatically anointed as the fourth-best team in the NBA, as ESPN Forecast decreed, but I also certainly never expected the Blazers to be so porous defensively and slide to three games under .500 before we made it to Christmas. It makes you wonder what these struggles will do to the widely held assumption among rival teams that the Blazers would be active traders this season, because they certainly look more than one player away from taking the next step after last season’s ride to the second round.21
Orlando Magic
(12-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 21st
The Bismack Biyombo revenge game didn’t work out so well; Orlando wound up losing at home by 30 to Biyombo’s old friends from Toronto despite jumping out to an early 11-point lead. The Magic have actually been a fairly tough out on the road at 7-7 in an Eastern Conference that houses only four other teams (Cleveland, Toronto, Boston and Charlotte) with a record of .500 or better on their travels. At the Amway Center, however, Orlando has dropped seven of eight, with the manner of Sunday night’s defeat to the Raps pretty much snuffing out any remaining glee from the completely unexpected 131 points coach Frank Vogel’s team rang up in Atlanta to start the week.22
Miami Heat
(9-19)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 24th
The Orlando Magic are at a loss for their poor home performances. They cannot quite say what it is.
The road? The Magic have rallied well on the road. Their 7-7 record should be good enough for them to stay in the Playoff hunt if they can string things together at home. That has been the trick.
Jeff Green said after practice Monday that perhaps the team enjoys being the underdog and having everyone against them in these opposing gym. The Magic get two winnable road games this week to test that theory.
Nov 27, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel talks with a referee in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Al Neuharth-Keusch, USA TODAY
1
Golden State Warriors
(24-4)
Last week: 3-0 recordLast rank: 1st
The Warriors continued their passing prowess this week, assisting on 137 of their 176 made baskets on their way to a 4-0 record.21
Denver Nuggets
(11-16)
Last week: 2-1 recordLast rank: 23rd
The Nuggets followed up a 20-point loss to the lowly Mavericks on Monday with convincing wins over the Blazers and Knicks, 123-120 and 127-114, respectively.22
Orlando Magic
(12-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 22nd
The bad news: The Magic are still looking to find an identity and sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The good news: They saw career performances from both Elfrid Payton (26 points and 14 assists vs. Hawks) and Aaron Gordon (33 points and seven rebounds vs. Clippers) this week.23
Los Angeles Lakers
(11-19)
Last week: 1-3 recordLast rank: 20th
Frank Vogel really said it best before Sunday’s game.
The first third of the season, the Magic were terrible at everything. The second third of the season, the Magic were good at defense with no offense. The final third of the season (so far), the Magic are good on offense and terrible at everything else.
At some point, they will find their identity.
Dec 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Moore, CBS Sports
1
Houston Rockets
(21-7)
Last week: 4-0 recordLast rank: 1st
Last week’s top team has kept the good times rolling, now racking up 10 in a row. Houston is now 5-0 on back-to-backs this season after pulling a rabbit out of its hat Saturday against Minnesota. An MVP candidate, the league’s longest winning streak and the ability to find ways to win … that’s the formula for a really good team.22
Miami Heat
(9-19)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 25th
Miami plays hard, which is something. But being 10 games under .500 when you play hard is somehow worse.23
Orlando Magic
(12-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 23rd
They trailed by four against the Raptors at the half, and ended up losing by 30. Here’s a concern: They might be able to find a path through their schedule to wind up within range of the eighth seed, and maybe things fall their way. Will that do anything to really build momentum? Will it lead anywhere? The only way the Magic have actual, legit success this year is if they find smoke and mirrors.24
Sacramento Kings
(10-17)
Last week: 2-2 recordLast rank: 22nd
Now that the trade period is open ,there is plenty of concern with how the Orlando Magic move forward the rest of this year.
Certainly ownership — and the GM — are under tremendous pressure to win and win now. They ar egunning for that 8-seed.
But the concern is legitimate as to whether that really gets them anywhere or gives them much of a future. Maybe tanking is the right way to go to reset the talent that never cam to fruition.
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