ORLANDO — As the Orlando Magic wrapped up day two of training camp on Wednesday, coach Jamahl Mosley is feeling encouraged by what he is seeing from the team.
“I thought today’s camp was very good,” Mosley said. “I think the competitive nature was there as always. Our guys are really locking into the foundation of our defense.”
“It was a really good day.”
As several players continued shootaround, Mosley highlighted the goal for the offense to add more pace.
“Looking to put the foot on the gas with the offense; playing with a lot more pace.”
Last season, Orlando’s average pace of 96.51 ranked last in the NBA. With new acquisitions and key returning roster pieces, Mosley understands the importance of improving tempo to unlock the offensive potential.
“It’s very big for us,” Mosley said. “You talk about a team that has advantages in different spaces; the size of Paolo, Franz, AB, Wendell. Being able to play a lot faster allows advantages for them with finding a mismatch.”
“I think the faster we play, the better it is for them as well. Easier shots, easier baskets.”
Entering his fifth full season in Orlando, center Wendell Carter Jr. is excited for what the addition of Desmond Bane will do to elevate the offense, which also finished last in 3-point offense last season.
“How well he [Bane] shoots the ball is what I think is needed for our team for us to take that extra step,” Carter Jr. said. “But him as a person, he is a great communicator, a great leader, and he brings the best out of everyone around him.”
Last season, Bane was a key contributor to the Memphis Grizzlies, whose offense finished first in pace (103.69). Bane is also a career 41 percent 3-point shooter.
“Going into that postseason, he’s going to be a big help in terms of just leading this team to go deeper in the playoffs.”
Carter Jr. also emphasized the importance of newcomer Tyus Jones, who finished second in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio last season.
“Tyus is just ole’ reliable,” Carter Jr. said. “That’s the guy when you need him to make a play, make a shot, do the right things on the defensive end, he also does those things. He is also a great vocal leader.”
“When we add those players, the offense is going to be a lot better.”