The Orlando Magic have been one of the great disappointments in the NBA this season. After being thought of as dark-horse title contenders, they have not lived up to that billing. Orlando sits seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
On April 6, the Magic took on the Detroit Pistons. For that game, guard Anthony Black was initially listed as “out” on the injury report. Despite that being his designation, he played in that game. Black had 14 points in the 15 minutes he played off the bench. Orlando won that game.
After that decision by the team, the NBA has now announced a penalty for that decision.
Orlando Magic Fined After Anthony Black Decision
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black shoots the ball. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
The NBA announced a $25,000 fine for the Magic for violating the NBA’s injury policy. Normally, these kinds of fines happen when a player is suddenly listed as “out” right before tip-off. This time, the reverse has happened, and Orlando is paying the price.
Orlando will likely have to participate in the play-in to make the playoffs. Despite that, they are trying to compete until the end of the season to improve their seeding. They sit just one game back of the five-seed, which would take them out of the play-in.
Playing Black has helped Magic win games in recent weeks. Orlando has won four-straight games, and five of their last six. This late-season push is what has the Magic in a spot where they might be able to get out of the play-in. Still, changes could be coming after the season.
Magic Could Make Massive Change After This Year
GettyOrlando Magic guard Anthony Davis shoots the ball. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
If Orlando flames out of the playoffs, there could be some big changes in Orlando. Jamahl Mosley is on the hot seat as the head coach. He could be fired if the Magic lose in the first round of the playoffs. He’s not the only person who might not be around if bad things happen in the postseason.
The personnel on the floor could be changed, as well. Orlando swung big by trading for Desmond Bane in the offseason. Bane has arguably been the team’s most consistent player this year. Trading Paolo Banchero could be on the table, as stats are turning into an issue.
Orlando has seemingly played better with Banchero on the bench. His 3-point shooting continues to disappoint, as he shoots just 31 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. His scoring is also significantly down from a year ago, as he is averaging just over 22 points per game.
Trading Banchero would only happen with a significant return in exchange. A swap for Giannis Antetokounmpo could be something they look at. Antetokounmpo will be the hottest name available in a trade this summer. Orlando would have to add more than just Banchero, though.
Of course, success in the playoffs could make this all moot. That’s how quickly things change in the NBA.
NBA Announces Punishment for Orlando Magic After Policy Violation