Paolo Banchero (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic entered the season with heightened expectations after acquiring Desmond Bane in a blockbuster trade, but ten games in, frustration is mounting both on and off the floor.
According to RG sources, there is a “growing disconnect” between franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley. The source described communication between the two as strained, adding that members of the organization have grown concerned about Banchero’s level of engagement with his coach during games.
Sources familiar with the situation said communication between Banchero and Mosley has become almost non-existent during timeouts, and the star forward often avoids eye contact when the coach addresses the team in huddles.
“This is what a team looks like when a coach loses the locker room,” one source said. “He needs to figure it out fast. This is on track to go from being the fun young team that has a lot of potential to being the disappointment that gets the coach fired.”
Tension Rising Amid On-Court Frustration
The Magic’s 111–107 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday night dropped them to 4–6 on the season before a win on Monday over Portland, moving them to 5-6. Despite 28 points from Banchero vs Boston — 14 of which came in the fourth quarter — Orlando faltered late, missing key defensive rotations and shooting just 23.3% from three-point range.
After the game, Mosley’s frustration boiled over when asked about his rotation decisions.
“Seventeen turnovers for 29 points,” he said. “It has nothing to do with the rotation. Thank you.”
Moments later, Banchero was asked about the team’s new offensive system, which was a major point of emphasis during the offseason. His brief, uncertain reply — “I mean, I don’t know. I don’t know about that one.” — only added to the perception of disconnect between player and coach.
Expectations Colliding With Reality
Orlando’s ambitious trade for Bane was designed to elevate the team’s offense, but the results have fallen short. Bane is averaging just 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 29.3% from beyond the arc — well below his usual standards.
The Magic currently ranks 20th in offensive rating (113.9) and holds a negative net rating (-0.2). Their once-elite defense has slipped to 14th (114.1), leaving the team caught between two identities: the gritty, defensive-minded unit that defined Mosley’s early tenure, and the faster-paced offense they’ve tried to become.
Looking Ahead
As the Magic try to turn things around, questions linger about whether the internal tension can be resolved before it impacts the locker room more broadly. Banchero remains Orlando’s franchise centerpiece — a former No. 1 overall pick with All-NBA potential — but the widening divide with Mosley has raised eyebrows across the organization.
For now, both sides have remained publicly quiet. But privately, concern is growing that if the team’s performance doesn’t improve soon, this may evolve into more than just a slow start — it could signal a deeper fracture between star and coach.