Dec 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley looks on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images John Jones-Imagn Images

Magic's Jamahl Mosley Projected To Win Highly-Coveted Honor

Originally posted on Orlando Magic on SI
By Andrew Cherico | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 5:34 PM ET

As the 2025-26 season approaches, teams across the NBA are taking shape. The Orlando Magic appear poised for one of the league’s biggest leaps after last year’s campaign was derailed by untimely injuries. With new additions Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, the Magic aim to cement themselves as consistent contenders in the Eastern Conference under coach Jamahl Mosley, now entering his fifth season in Orlando.

Though Mosley didn’t find immediate success in his first two seasons, he established a defensive culture built on physical, gritty play. His philosophy has turned the Magic into one of the league’s premier defensive teams, anchored by Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac while helping Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero grow within the system.

Starting off with just 22 wins his first season, four years ago, Mosley continuously improved the Magic into playoff contenders with 34 wins the season after and making the first round in back-to-back seasons earning Coach of the Year finalist honors. Now projected to make a major step into contention, Mosley is predicted for major honors.

ESPN recently polled insiders and experts on the six major NBA awards, with Mosley predicted to win Coach of the Year. They pointed to Orlando’s balanced roster, new offensive firepower paired with an established defensive identity as the formula potentially pushing the Magic deep into contention this season.

"Jamahl Mosley was tasked with developing the Magic when he was hired in 2021," the article wrote. "He got a young core to two straight playoff appearances. But now, Mosley has a roster built to make a run at winning the injury-weakened East, and our panel is betting Mosley will captain a significant leap forward and take home Coach of the Year honors. Orlando is poised to win more that 50 games for the first time since 2010-11 with the additions of Desmond Bane's much-needed scoring and outside shooting, and Tyus Jones' steady point guard play to complement Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner."

"Health will be vital," the article added. "Especially Jalen Suggs' ability to return from left knee surgery. Southeast division rival Atlanta, another team that made significant offseason moves, is expected to contend in the East this season, with coach Quin Snyder at its helm."