In this episode of The Close Up, Stephen sits down with Arnie Kander, Vice President of Player Performance and Wellness for the Orlando Magic.

Arnie shares his unique journey in sports medicine and wellness, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and thinking outside the box. He discusses his approach to player development and player health, focusing on building relationships and understanding the individual needs of each player.

Arnie also talks about his passion for rock climbing and how it relates to basketball, highlighting the importance of core strength and mental focus. The episode concludes with Arnie's excitement for the upcoming season and his advice for young people entering the industry.

This episode of Orlando Magic HQ is jam-packed with everything you need to know about the team's offseason moves.

• Franz Wagner Locked In! We break down his contract extension and what it means for the future.
• Remembering a Legend: We pay tribute to the great Pat Williams.
• Jalen Suggs' Next Step: Can he take another leap this season?
• Farewell, Markelle Fultz: What does his departure mean for the backcourt?
• Summer League Standouts: We get hyped about Tristan Da Silva and Jay Howard's performances!

Join Anthony and Al as they dissect the offseason and share their excitement for the Magic's young core!

00:00 Introduction and Overview
04:22 Remembering Pat Williams: A Major Figure in Orlando Magic History
09:25 Franz Wagner's Contract Extension: Investing in a Promising Player
19:11 The Uncertainty of Jalen Suggs' Contract Extension
23:48 Markelle Fultz's Departure and the Signing of Corey Joseph
26:07 Building a Competitive Team: Strategic Decisions by the Orlando Magic Front Office
32:07 Impressive Performances in Summer League by Jett Howard and Tristan da Silva
49:04 The NBA Cup Group Stage

The conversation with Steve Ceruti revolves around the Orlando Magic and their upcoming season.

We discuss our expectations for the team, potential celebrations for future successes, and the importance of patience as the team continues to develop. They also analyze the off-season moves, including the re-signing of players like Moe Wagner and Goga Bitadze, and the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

The conversation covers various topics including the NBA draft, the departure of Markelle Fultz, and the team's perception in the media. We also discuss the role of media in shaping the narrative around the team.