The Orlando Magic are not where they hoped they would be this early in the season, fighting in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference. But the team is still in a good position to climb if they can get their team together.

Orlando has historically improved as the season goes on, the team's schedule sets up for success and the team can still get healthy and reach their full potential. The Magic have work to do and none of it is guaranteed. But patience is warranted to let them take those steps.

That patience is what helped Anthony Black take his next step. He has been the surprise of the season, taking a major leap and helping fill the void through all the injuries. He gives the Magic a huge weapon for the Playoffs and has reshaped the team's future.

So much so that the team should ignore the growing rumors of the Atlanta Hawks being ready to part ways with Trae Young. The Magic's deadline focus is not on any major moves but on managing their cap and tax situation.

Patience is the order of the day.

00:00 Patience with the Magic

05:55 Magic Positioned for Key Stretch

10:32 Magic's Urgent Need for Change

18:45 Anthony Black's Star Turn

24:06 Young Players Rising to Occasion

29:33 Trae Young Trade Talks Intensify

35:36 Magic Maneuvering Near Tax Line

Everydayer Club  

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Betterhelp

BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/NBA.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Quo — no missed calls, no missed customers.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.