ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic’s season came to an end after a Game 7 loss to the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA Playoffs on May 3.

The Magic’s front office did not waste any time with its first big offseason move, either, when news broke that head coach Jamahl Mosley was being fired after five seasons at the helm on May 4.

Following Mosley’s dismissal, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman held a press conference to discuss the decision to part ways with Mosley, the future of the team and more.

Toward the end of the press conference, Weltman revealed what he would tell another organization interested in hiring Mosley if said organization were to ask him.

"I would just tell them that, you know, Jamahl's a terrific coach," Weltman said. "I think he's improved every year. He came in as a rookie and he leaves as an established veteran, and he's an even better person. And, you know, you're going to be lucky to have him."

Frustrations from the fanbase concerning Mosley began to fester throughout the season as the Magic underperformed relative to their preseason expectations after acquiring Desmond Bane in June 2025, which was seen as a significant roster upgrade for a promising young team in an uncertain Eastern Conference landscape.

However, the Magic finished just 45-37 and eighth in the East, which forced them into the NBA Play-In Tournament. After losing the first game to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Magic’s season was on life support. With just one more chance to move on to the playoffs, Orlando routed the Charlotte Hornets to set up a first-round date with the Pistons.

From the game against the Hornets through Game 4 of the series against the Pistons, the Magic looked like a team finally living up to its potential. Orlando secured a commanding 3-1 lead over Detroit. Then, everything fell apart as the Magic faithful watched their team squander a 3-1 lead, which was highlighted by a disastrous Game 6 performance at home.

However, when Weltman looks back at the team’s playoff run and the atmosphere created by the fans inside the Kia Center, he thinks fondly of the moments.

"I mean, I can't tell you how exciting that was," Weltman said. "I mean, you know, like I said, I don't want to overreact to the second half of game six, and I don't want to overreact to the first half of game six, you know, but that was thrilling, and our players felt it. You know, they felt it. They talked about it, you know.

"And I know our fans are, you know, so hungry. They're so involved. They're so enthusiastic. And I just hope that the takeaway from this, because obviously this this is a real like bitter taste that we're walking away from the playoffs right now. This is a really bitter taste in our mouth. I hope the takeaway is what we accomplished when we were together, because this is a young team."

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