Franz Wagner Shows Frustration With Magic's Slow Start

The Orlando Magic haven’t started the 2025–26 NBA season as they would have hoped. After winning their opening game against the Miami Heat, they’ve gone 0–4 since, putting them at 1–4 and near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. 

After their hugely successful season last year and the addition of Desmond Bane over the offseason, they were expected to take another leap this year. They aren’t too late for that, but their slow start is a bit concerning. 

After their most recent loss, the Magic’s young star forward, Franz Wagner, discussed their slow start.

“Yeah, I think it’s good we have a game tomorrow. We should all be frustrated. Hopefully, we can turn that frustration into energy. Like I said, it’s not all bad, but we’ve got to figure it out.”

The Magic should be frustrated. They aren’t playing like the team from last year that had so much success. Bringing in Desmond Bane was supposed to enhance their offense without hurting what was an elite defense. 

Now the Magic sit in the bottom five for offensive efficiency and the bottom ten for defensive efficiency. They can’t afford to be bad on both ends of the floor; nobody can. 

There is still hope for the Orlando Magic. Their next two games are against two of the worst teams in the league from last year, the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. If they can’t right the ship against those teams, their early-season struggles may be worth looking into.

For now, the Magic just need to rediscover their defensive identity. They’ve always stayed competitive through their defensive intensity. Once that comes back, they can try to figure out the other end of the floor.