Coach Frank Vogel enjoys the versatility that the Magic have in the frontcourt, John Denton of NBA.com writes. “We’re solid, rock-solid up front with our three big guys,’’ Vogel said. “We’ve got great weapons and they’re working on [the offensive and defensive] ends. [Bismack Biyombo] is working on his free throws and being a menace on the glass, while [Nikola Vucevic] is working hard on the defensive end. So, I feel very, very strongly about our center position.’’ Orlando acquired Serge Ibaka in a draft night trade and added Biyombo in free agency to bolster a frontcourt led by Vucevic.
Here’s more from Orlando:
- Vogel went on to discuss how Biyombo’s game complements Vucevic’s shooting, Denton adds in the same piece. “The value of a Bismack Biyombo is the speed and agility that he has at the center position,’’ Vogel said. “To be able to show on a pick-and-roll and get back to these guys who are [shooting] threats and also be a presence in containment, that’s huge for us.’’
- Biyombo believes communication has been a key reason why the Magic’s second unit has been successful, Denton writes in a separate piece. “Our second unit probably talks a lot more about the game on the bench before we go into the game and that helps us,’’ Biyombo said. “We can recognize the mistakes being made, how we can play the opponent and how we can adjust to the game.’’
- Despite having three starting-caliber big men, defensive rebounding has been an issue for the Magic so far this season, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel argues. Vogel admits that while the players need time to adjust to a new scheme, defensive rebounding shouldn’t depend on players working well together. “I think it’s a habit,” Vogel said. “It’s a habit that’s got to be ingrained in you. There’s two elements of it. There’s the containment aspect, and then there’s just the habit of hitting your man every shot and being physical with it.”