The Magic took to the court inside the AdventHealth Training Center for their third day of training camp Thursday and spent more time in the morning continuing to learn the ins and outs of the offensive and defensive systems of new Orlando coach Sean Sweeney.
On offense, the first-year NBA head coach has put an emphasis on spacing the floor and making sure each player is in the right spot in order to give each other enough room to work and move the ball.
And on defense, there’s been a focus on applying the proper amount of pressure without fouling, staying connected in their coverage and finishing out possessions with a stop — whether that comes by forcing a turnover or grabbing the rebound off a miss.
“The guys have been really committed to working hard, paying attention to detail,” Magic center Nikola Vucevic said after Thursday’s session. “And the coaching staff does a good job of teaching, getting us to learn a new system well. It was good for us to kind of slow things down a bit and work on our offense, our defense.
“I think we’ve taken steps forward each day,” Vucevic added. “But most importantly, guys are really working hard and really trying. It’s just day-by-day, step-by-step trying to build in the right direction.”
Fellow Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. expanded on the team’s defensive focus, noting his personal work toward trying to commit fewer fouls this upcoming season. In a career-high 78 games last season, Carter averaged 3.4 fouls per contest, a mark that was up from 2.9 fouls the year prior and 2.2 fouls during the 2023-24 season.
During Orlando’s seven-game first-round playoff series against the Pistons last season, Carter committed four fouls on average.
“Appropriate heat — that’s one of the biggest things for me personally,” he said. “A lot of fouling and things like that in the past year. … (We’re) learning when and where to be aggressive, when to be physical and cover for one another making the (opposing) team feel like they’re playing against six guys instead of five guys.”
“When the team is connected, it’s almost like you’ve got a whole other player out there with you,” Carter added. “That’s kind of been the main focus.”
Both Anthony Black (sprained ankle) and Noah Penda (hamstring) continued to watch practice from the sidelines during the media-viewing portion of Thursday’s practice.
The Magic open the preseason Wednesday at Memphis, with tipoff at 8 p.m.
Richardson shows growth
Second-year guard Jase Richardson has impressed teammate Jalen Suggs to open his second training camp in the league.
As a rookie, the Michigan State product averaged 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists during 10.9 minutes per night in 54 appearances.
Suggs specifically mentioned Richardson’s pace on the floor and control with the ball in his hands.
“He’s done a great job,” Suggs said Wednesday about the young guard. “His pace is a lot better. He’s a lot more controlled, he’s getting into the paint and he’s trying to find his outlets. He’s a bit more physical, which I like, so I think he’s doing a great job. There’s a lot that comes into this job in him being a point guard.
“So, I’m proud of the way in which he’s maneuvering day-in and day-out,” Suggs added. “I’m always trying to give him all my love, encouragement and knowledge I can. He’s had a pretty good camp again for the second year in a row, so I’m proud of him.”
Sweeney’s sarcasm
Magic forward Franz Wagner first noted Sweeney’s sense of humor in practice after the first day of camp earlier this week, and Vucevic shared more about the new coach’s personality Thursday.
While Sweeney has been described as an intense coach with a straightforward approach, he’s also kept his players on their toes throughout camp.
“He’s pretty sarcastic, which I’m a fan of,” Vucevic said. “A lot of dry humor, which is good. I like that. But he’s been very direct in his conversations. We know what’s asked of us to do, and I think when it’s that way, it’s very easy. It’s very clear.
“His communication is really good and I think that’s very important.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com