After the Orlando Magic’s victory against the Boston Celtics on November 24, guard Cole Anthony humorously dubbed their second unit as “Joe Ingles and his grandchildren.” At 36, Joe Ingles is the elder statesman on the roster, with 29-year-old Gary Harris being the only teammate older than 26. Renowned for his banter as much as his game, Ingles signed a two-year, $22 million contract last summer to knit the team together.
Coach Jamahl Mosley spoke of Ingles’ impact: “Honest. Open. Loud. But he’s great for this group, keeping it real, guiding them on what we need to do for success.”
Despite averaging five points, Ingles’s contribution extends beyond stats. His catch-and-shoot accuracy at 50% doesn’t encapsulate his gravity and decision-making. Orlando’s efficiency significantly spikes when Ingles is on the floor. The team scores 125.5 points per 100 possessions with him, a remarkable 17.6 points better than without him.
When Ingles joined the Magic, he couldn’t have anticipated the team’s current third-place standing in the East. Reflecting on last season’s films and his discussions with Mosley, Ingles shaped his approach to blend with the team’s dynamics.
Following the nine-game winning streak, which equaled the franchise record, Ingles felt his selfless style of play fitting well. “I’ve cherished my role here, relished every moment with the organization, players, and coaches,” he expressed, with a playful nod to the PR team.
In a condensed Q&A, Ingles discussed adapting to his role, building team chemistry, and the underappreciated aspects of being part of a youthful squad.
Ingles, known for his talkative nature, acknowledged his NBA experience, highlighting the positive energy in the locker room. He shared his understanding of the league, emphasizing players’ roles, advocating for contributing within specific team dynamics, and finding fulfillment in impacting younger talents.
He acknowledged the misconception around youthful teams, focusing on the energy, potential, and learning curve rather than solely the inexperience. Ingles highlighted the team’s ability to weather ups and downs, a skill he values greatly in the competitive NBA landscape.
Throughout the dialogue, Ingles emphasized the importance of embracing roles, being adaptable, and finding contentment in contributing to a team’s success rather than individual achievements. He celebrated the camaraderie and the rewarding journey of NBA life.
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