SPOTLIGHT: Magic's Bench MUST STEP UP or RISK Playoff Hopes | Can Anthony Black DELIVER?

from Locked On Magic - Daily Podcast On The Orlando Magic · host Locked On Podcast Network

The Orlando Magic have major ambitions for the 2026 season. And they have the roster to get it done. But the difference between merely making the Playoffs and becoming contenders will come down to how key reserve players play and whether several young players are ready to step up.That includes Anthony Black. He has shown promise in his first two seasons. But he has struggled to put all the pieces together. This is the season that the Magic will lean on him to be consistent and take a step up.The same will be for Jonathan Isaac after he struggled with his weight last year and struggled offensively. If the Magic are going to take another step this season, they will need both players to take a sizable leap this season.With playoff aspirations, the Magic need several players to step up to succeed.0:00 Intro: Players who need to step up5:38 Anthony Black's critical third season23:04 Scoring distribution and offensive concerns28:10 Magic's challenge: Proving they can contendSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order.This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What this episode covers

The Orlando Magic need depth to achieve their goals. While stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are crucial, players like Anthony Black must step up. Black's inconsistent performance last season highlights the need for improvement. The team's bench, including Jonathan Isaac and Tristan da Silva, must contribute more for Orlando to compete at a higher level.