If you told Orlando Magic fans that superstar Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Gary Harris and more would miss time in the 2024-25 season, more likely than not their expectations for their record would be very low. However, not only has coach Jamahl Mosley kept his team above .500, but they are 23-18 good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
This record features quality wins over the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and the defending champion Boston Celtics. With a bevy of wins and a wide-open East, Mosley’s squad is set up to compete now and in the future.
How we Got to Today
In 2021 the Orlando Magic hired Jamahl Mosley, an assistant coach from the Dallas Mavericks. He served as the chief assistant of the legendary Rick Carlisle. He even stepped up as an Interim Head Coach when Carlisle was diagnosed with COVID-19. As a part of the Mavericks he helped them to four playoff berths, including some with a young Luka Dončić.
Mosley joined a rebuilding Magic squad, and finished his first year with a measly 22-60 record. This was good for the worst record in the East and the second worst record in the NBA. From there they won the lottery and secured the number 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. They used that pick on All-Star forward, Paolo Banchero.
While the Magic still struggled in 2023, finishing with 34 wins and outside of the playoffs again. But, the Magic brass stuck by Mosley and he rewarded their trust with a playoff berth in 2024.
The Orlando Magic’s 2025 Season
The Magic have suffered injury after injury this year. Including to their young star Banchero. Paolo has only played 7 games for Orlando as of January 14. His season averages in those games is 28.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The talent with Banchero is undeniable, but what is impressive is what the roster has done in his absence. They are 19-15 without their points leader in the lineup.
But the most impressive feat came in their home win against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 12. They won the game 104-99, but the most impressive part is who they did it without:
- Franz Wagner
- Moe Wagner
- Jalen Suggs
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Jett Howard
- Gary Harris
- Goga Bitadze
- Tristan da Silva
This doesn’t mention the fact that despite starting, Banchero was playing on a minutes restriction. This shows an absolute masterclass for Mosley and presents a clear case as to why he should be Coach of the Year.
Why Mosley Deserves the Award
What impresses me the most about Mosley is not the winning record this season despite all of the major injuries his team has sustained, it’s his development of young players.
With an injury to his starting center (Wendell Carter Jr.) Mosley turned to Goga Bitadze. Bitadze went viral for his draft interview in 2019 when all of the reporters swarmed around Zion Williamson instead of him. Bitadze has been a decent NBA player, but under Mosley’s tutelage has posted a career-high average in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks this season.
This shows the kind of coach that Mosley is, one that uplifts and builds his players, but also builds a strong culture and foundation that is able to survive even a tumultuous NBA season. There is still plenty of basketball left to played before the Playoffs, but if I had a vote today: it would go to Mosley.
