“They’re Not F**king Around”: Kevin Garnett Puts the League on Notice About 14–5 Juggernaut

Unless building a super team, NBA championships follow a similar model. Firstly, the team drafts a bunch of good to great players. Then, a coach, who is also a leader, gives the team an identity. Following that, through continuous progression, the team scales unforeseen heights. This season, a host of teams are entering step 3. But, not everyone is getting the same attention. To bring notice to a brewing Goliath in the East, Kevin Garnett had to take charge.

While everyone is singing praises, and rightfully so, of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, one team has fallen under the radar. As the two West teams fight for positioning near the top, the Orlando Magic are climbing the Eastern bracket. However, their jump is far more surprising. With some trademark hilarity, The Big Ticket broke down the scenario with the Magic right now.

The Orlando Magic have stunned the league with their performances

Due to the nature of the pattern, the Magic were projected to be in Step 2, if not Step 1. However, through a team mindset and a host of contributors, the team has found a unique identity. They’re brash, they’re tenacious, and they’re hungry for more. Even though the team doesn’t have a superstar-level talent yet, it is only a matter of time.

Because, if KG is to be believed, the team is ready to explode. “Orlando’s the new Toronto. You thought Toronto was sweet. You went out, had a good time, cool dinner. Next thing you know, you’re in a dog fight the next night.” His former teammate and co-host, Paul Pierce, had to chime in. “So what you saying right now? When you get to Orlando, you can’t go out?” 

“Oh no, ain’t no going out…I’m having dinner, right to bed. I’m up at 5 – push-ups, sit-ups – I’m lathered, I’m first on the bus.” Then, getting down to business, the former Boston Celtic champion had to give them their props.

“Man, you can’t get a win in Orlando right now. You go down to Orlando, boy. You f***ing around, boy. Orlando will bust your a** out. They ain’t f***ing around.” But it wasn’t just expletives. Moving along, Garnett gave a deep dive into what each member of the team could potentially bring to the table.

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“Cole Anthony might give you 40, 30 off the bench…Wagners…You look up, and you down 40. And they talking their s**t. It’s good, though. It’s good for the league, bro.” 

But, to truly ascend, the team is going to need a superstar-calibre player. Or do they already have one?

Despite praise from Kevin Garnett, does Orlando have a bonafide superstar?

Between the blossoming Franz Wagner, the expressive Jalen Suggs, whose LeBron James – Dwyane Wade recreation was an interesting highlight, or the shot-making of Cole Anthony, the team has its surrounding pieces. In Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. comes the defensive versatility. But the center of the entire operation revolves around Paolo Banchero.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year is yet to take a big sophomore leap. However, year-to-year consistency, along with an uptick in efficiency, has already given the 21-year-old a unique mold. But, to truly take the next step, he has to take a superstar leap. That is what Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did on the other side. Moreover, that is what every team following this model has to find.

While their arrival was before time, can they sustain the momentum?

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