The season began with high expectations for the Orlando Magic. 

They added Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones. They drafted Jase Richardson. They were all added to a core that already included Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. 

Suddenly, the Magic were contenders in the Easter Conference. And then the season started. While the Magic have played solidly, they have yet to reach the preseason hype. Through 11 games, they are just 5-6. That's good enough for the No. 10 spot in the standings of a supposedly watered-down conference. 

Recently, Banchero opened up about the slow start during a conversation with Marc Spears of Andscape. He puts the blame on himself. 

“I have to be better, obviously,” Banchero said. “As a team, we just got to find our rhythm and just kind of get back to doing what we do – obviously, defending better. Our calling card is defense, and our defense has been slipping a little bit. So, we have to get back to an elite level. Then offensively, just finding the flow and getting guys involved, trying to get guys going on that end."

The Magic shown glimpses of becoming a contender, like Monday's buzzer-beating victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. There was also the early-season, four-game losing streak that included falling to the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. 

Still, Banchero remains confident. He knows it's too early to form any thoughts on the Magic, who are still getting acclimated to each other. They get another big test Wednesday night at the New York Knicks. 

“Basically, we’re just taking it one game at a time," Banchero said. "Can’t overreact too early in the season, good or bad. But still, though, you’ve got to have a real sense of urgency, turn it around and start getting some wins.”

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of MagicRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com