"Jamahl Mosley about to be fired" - NBA Fans Stunned as Paolo Banchero’s Reported Rift with Magic Coach Sparks Locker Room Tension

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic have not had the best start to the 2025-26 NBA season. The team is 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 5-6 record. Coming into the new year, the Magic was expected to have a great campaign, following the moves the front office made during the offseason.

However, it has not panned out well for the Magic. According to NBA insider Grant Afseth, there has been a rift between Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley. Afseth reported that there has been a "growing disconnect" between the two. The organization has started to grow concerned amid the reported locker room tension.

Fans shared their opinions after the league insider's report. Here are some of what the fans said about the rift.

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"Mosley about to be fired cus no way they get rid of Paolo," a fan predicted. "Do NBA coaches even have a chance anymore?" another fan commented. "If you’re not Spo or Kerr you might as well not even unpack your suitcase." "Banchero about to get him out of here," one fan said.

Some supporters blamed Paolo Banchero while defending Mosley.

"Mosley is a talented young coach… sounds like Paolo is being a bit of a diva," someone commented. "It’s not Mosley fault Paolo isn’t clutch lmaooo," a comment read. "Coach Killer chucking up bricks every night 🤣 what a bust. Should have taken Chet," one fan commented.

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How has Paolo Banchero played this season?

Paolo Banchero has been healthy so far this season, appearing in all 11 games of the year. The star forward has averaged 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists during that stretch. However, the one-time All-Star has struggled to be effective from long range, only making 25% of his shots from deep.

His efficiency from deep this year is the worst in his career. It's the second time that he shot at least 25% of his 3-pointers. The first time happened during Banchero's rookie season. That year, he finished the campaign with a 29.8% shooting from downtown.

Banchero's struggles haven't helped the team have a good start this season. The Magic's struggles are partially on him, especially his inefficiency from deep.

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Banchero wants to win against the Knicks for his birthday

Andscape's Marc Spears sat down with Paolo Banchero ahead of the Magic's upcoming game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. That also happens to be the NBA star's 23rd birthday.

His birthday wish is simple: to win against the Knicks.

“The best gift I could get is a dub [win] and a good performance. We’ll be on ESPN for that one. So yeah, hopefully I can just play my best and we can get a win,” Banchero said.

The Knicks have been better than the Magic this season. New York is second in the Eastern Conference with a 6-3 record. But Orlando is riding the momentum from Desmond Bane's game-winning 3-pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.

Edited by Reign Amurao