Report: Disconnect growing between Paolo Banchero and Magic coach Jamahl Mosley

Tension may be building between the Magic’s star player and their head coach.

According to Grant Afseth of RG.org, there’s a “growing disconnect” between former No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley — the only NBA coach Banchero has played for.

Afseth reports that communication between the two has become “strained,” with multiple team sources describing their in-game relationship as “almost non-existent.”

During timeouts, Banchero reportedly avoids eye contact when Mosley addresses the team.

One source told Afseth, “This is what a team looks like when a coach loses the locker room. He needs to figure it out fast. This is on track to go from being the fun young team with potential to being the disappointment that gets the coach fired.”

The Magic, now 5-6 after an uneven start, entered the season with high expectations after acquiring Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies.

But while the defense remains elite — ranking second in the NBA in defensive rating — the offense continues to sputter. Orlando sits just 24th in points per game and 22nd in offensive efficiency.

Banchero, 22, is doing his part statistically. The 2022 top pick and reigning All-Star is averaging 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field. He signed a five-year, $240 million max extension in July, solidifying him as the franchise cornerstone.

Mosley, meanwhile, is 149–190 since being hired in 2021. He now finds himself under pressure to steady both the locker room and his relationship with Orlando’s star.