Magic's lineup change symbolizes Orlando's shift into modern NBA
Can you feel that, Orlando Magic fans? Your team has entered the modern era of floor-spacing and 3-point shooting. Who would have thought that Scott Skiles would be the coach to get them there?
Skiles' decision to move Victor Oladipo to the bench and start Channing Frye has paid off royally for the Magic through three games. It's a small sample, to be sure. But that one move is indicative of a bigger tactical shift for Orlando. Oladipo's shooting woes are somewhat overstated, but Frye -- when he's on -- is one of the best stretch-fours in the NBA. Further, his inclusion in the starting lineup allows Tobias Harris to play small forward, leveraging his versatility and outside shooting as the rotational linchpin.
Add it all up, and Orlando is finally getting it, according to Orlando Magic Daily:
Orlando now truly seems to be adjusting to its era, understanding how to best counter opposition while also exploiting small ball in its own right. The Magic have shifted Tobias Harris back to the 3-spot to move a sharpshooting Channing Frye into the starting lineup while Andrew Nicholson has suddenly become relevant.
The Magic have been exceptional on the offensive glass too, which combined with the sharing of the basketball has resulted in a lot of open looks for them. It is so different from the disfunction of last year that it is scarcely the same team.
Yet the Magic aren't applauding their efforts quite yet. The team understands there's still a long way to go this season, as Frye told reporters:
"We're winning, but it's a long season. [...] Guys aren't looking at numbers," he said. "Guys aren't like, 'Man, I didn't play good today.' They're like, 'today wasn't my day; I will be ready for tomorrow because tomorrow might be my day.' It's just showing the sign that we're maturing and getting better."
Orlando faces a young Timberwolves team next, meaning a four-game winning streak is certainly on the table.
