The Orlando Magic have been one of the biggest risers in the Eastern Conference over the past few seasons. A big reason for that: Jamahl Mosley. The Orlando coach originally served as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks before becoming the Magic's head coach in 2021. Since taking over as head coach following Steve Clifford's exit, Mosley has led the organization to two playoff appearances. 

Bleacher Report released an article, ranking all 30 NBA head coaches ahead of the regular season. Mosley was ranked right in the middle of the pack, landing at No. 16 on the list just ahead of Hornets coach Charles Lee and behind Hawks coach Quin Snyder.

"Jamahl Mosley has turned Orlando into one of the NBA's stifling defensive monoliths, built on relentlessness and length," the article wrote. "He's molded rotations around positional interchangeability—switching, collapsing, and contesting every conceivable angle. Last season, the Magic ranked second in defensive rating (109.1 points per 100 possessions). With defenders like Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and Jonathan Isaac, Orlando weaponizes length to close gaps, contest shots, and force late-clock decisions. Offense, however, remains the Achilles' heal. The Magic finished 27th in offensive rating, struggling with spacing and inconsistent shooting—held back by stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner hovering around 32% from three."

Mosley's tenure with Orlando started off in a negative way, putting up two consecutive seasons under the .500 mark and missing the playoffs. However, the young Orlando core led by players Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner have led the team to the playoffs the past two years despite injury woes.

"Mosley's minimalist, read-based approach can collapse under pressure with limited shooting, leading to empty possessions," the article added. "Adding Desmond Bane should help, but until Orlando's two stars improve their shooting, Mosley will need to depend on their suffocating defense to initiate the offense."

Orlando rewarded Mosley with a four-year contract extension in 2024 as he continues to work with this young core. The Magic could be one of the scariest teams in the East if the offense can become more efficient and consistent. The trade for Desmond Bane reinforces that idea but Mosley can put the pieces together to help lead this young roster through a deep playoff run. The Oklahoma City Thunder just won a title with a very young roster. Could the Mosley-led Magic be next to contend?