Paolo Banchero Mosley Tension Threatens Magic Season

Rumors of a rift between Paolo Banchero and coach Jamahl Mosley have surfaced, with Tim MacMahon saying there's "a lot of talk around the league" they "might not be seeing eye to eye." Grant Afseth reported "strained communication and noticeable tension during games and timeouts." Orlando has underperformed after trading for Desmond Bane, sitting 23-22, 20th in offense and 15th in defense. Banchero averages 21.6 points and a career-low 29.1 percent from three. The projected starting five is +18 in 117 minutes, but injuries to Franz Wagner have kept them apart. Merlin sees a roster built for a leap stuck between chemistry and health. The four first-round picks for Bane bought time, but the defensive slide and reported tension could force a move before Feb. 5. If communication is fixed and the core gets healthy, Orlando still has clear upside. If not, the season could unravel.