Magic Searching for Offensive Identity as Frustrations Mount
Paolo Banchero didn’t dance around the question. After the Magic’s latest loss to the Bucks, the 21-year-old forward was asked if Orlando is playing to its potential in the half-court. His response was direct-and telling.
“I think our record answers that question, honestly,” Banchero said. “I’m not going to sit here and harp on the problems with our offense or what I think is wrong with our offense. But I don’t think anyone would say that it’s where it should be or could be.”
He's not wrong. The Magic rank 23rd in half-court points per possession-an area that’s become a glaring weakness for a team that came into the season with top-four aspirations in the Eastern Conference. Instead, at 28-25, Orlando finds itself clinging to seventh place, with an offense that’s stalled and a defense that’s dipped to 14th after spending the last two seasons near the top of the league.
Injuries haven’t helped. Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner have all missed time, disrupting the team’s rhythm and continuity.
And while the front office tried to address the spacing and shooting issues with the addition of Desmond Bane, the results haven’t fully materialized. The offense still lacks flow in the half-court, and the floor can feel cramped when the ball slows down.
Wendell Carter Jr. acknowledged that the offensive struggles are seeping into other parts of the game.
“It’s human nature,” Carter said. “When it’s not going our way offensively, we allow it to affect our effort. … That’s something, as a fairly young team, that we have to do a better job of.”
That’s the challenge for this young Magic core-learning how to push through the rough patches without letting missed shots dictate their energy on the other end. The defense, once their calling card, has taken a step back, and without a consistent offensive engine, the team is stuck in the middle of the pack.
President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has continued to voice support for head coach Jamahl Mosley, but with the All-Star break approaching and the standings tightening, that support could be tested if the Magic can’t find their footing.
Wizards Rookie Sarr Embracing Fit, But Whitmore Sidelined
There’s optimism in Washington, where rookie big man Alexandre Sarr is already envisioning how his versatile game will fit into the Wizards’ evolving system.
“He has a very complete game,” Sarr said. “I can also step out and play inside-out, so I think it’ll be pretty seamless. Just getting the reps in.”
Sarr’s ability to stretch the floor and play inside-out gives the Wizards a modern frontcourt piece to build around. But it wasn’t all good news for the franchise.
Cam Whitmore, the talented wing with explosive upside, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder-a serious condition that required three surgeries. Whitmore recently opened up about the health scare, shedding light on just how difficult the past few months have been.
It’s a tough blow for a young player who had been showing flashes of high-level potential, and for a Wizards team trying to develop its next wave of talent.
RayJ Dennis Lights Up the G League for the Hawks
Meanwhile, down in College Park, RayJ Dennis is making a name for himself-and fast.
The Hawks’ two-way guard exploded for 47 points on Thursday, setting a G League scoring record for the franchise. It marked his second game this season with 45 or more points, making him the first player in Skyhawks history to accomplish that feat.
Dennis has been a revelation in the G League, showcasing not just scoring ability, but the kind of confidence and shot-making that could earn him a longer look at the NBA level. For a Hawks team that’s been searching for depth and backcourt spark, Dennis is giving them something to think about.
As the season pushes toward the stretch run, teams like the Magic, Wizards, and Hawks are each facing different challenges-but all are looking for answers. Whether it's finding offensive rhythm, navigating injuries, or unearthing hidden gems, there's no shortage of storylines to watch in the weeks ahead.