Should fans worry about how bad the Orlando Magic are?

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 08: Head Coach Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic reacts against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on January 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

If you are still watching Orlando Magic games at this point in the season, then it is safe to say you are a true fan. They may not have hit the ugly depths of previous rebuilding seasons in the last decade, but tuning in to watch constant losing on a near-nightly basis does take a toll.

What makes this much more bearable, of course, is the fact that it is clear the Magic have some legitimate players who will create a brighter future.

Franz Wagner is their most impressive and complete rookie in a long time, and he has a chance to capture the Rookie of the Year award. Cole Anthony is a firm fan favorite as well, and help is on the horizon.

But with two losses in the bag against an equally as bad Detroit Pistons organization, should we actually be worried about how bad the Magic are?

Should fans worry about how bad the Orlando Magic are?

This might seem over-reactionary, but there are reasons for genuine concern if you look hard enough. Starting with head coach Jamahl Mosley, who before we go any further, should absolutely be given time to see how far he can bring this group once they are fully healthy and have added some more young guys through the draft.

Mosley has an infectious personality, and the players seem to respond well to him. But at this point, it is also fair to question exactly what direction he is taking the group in terms of identity.

Say what you want about former head coach Steve Clifford, but from day one he instilled a defensive attitude in the roster, and it showed.

That version of the Magic was aiming to make the postseason, and so being a tough out defensively went hand in hand with grinding out wins and being a reasonably tough opponent to face. On the surface, it would seem like Mosley wants to go in the other direction and be a high-ranking offensive unit.

That makes sense as players like Anthony, Wagner, and Jalen Suggs all have tons of offensive potential. It also ensures they get the best out of Terrence Ross, for as long as he remains with the franchise. Anthony is among the top fourth-quarter scorers in the league, an excellent sign if he will one day be their closer.