Expectations are excessive for Orlando’s No. 1 decide Paolo Banchero in 2022-23.
The gradual climb to respectability continues for the Magic as they stockpile younger property to groom by means of their participant growth with hopes that, sometime quickly, a contending nucleus will type. However the query stays: when will this franchise take that beneficiant leap ahead, this season or subsequent?
And one other query: Who will lead them? The Magic contemplated this very fastidiously when deciding whom to pick out with the No. 1 total alternative within the 2022 draft, and due to this fact Paolo Banchero is the chosen one. Orlando desperately wants a cornerstone and a perennial All-Star and Banchero brings the components as a versatile and multi-skilled energy ahead who can deal with the ball and, maybe, the load on his shoulders as effectively.
However clearly, this goes past one participant. The Magic are relying on Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, Mo Bamba and (as soon as wholesome) Jonathan Isaac to additional their basketball training and type a winner. It’s a tantalizing group on paper; let’s see what they do on the ground.
BIGGEST QUESTION
How will Orlando deal with the front-court log jam? Other than Banchero, there’s Wagner, Bamba, Carter and likewise Issac, the forgotten man who’s making a return from damage after lacking roughly the final two seasons. You may make a case for any of the above to start out and get heavy minutes. Plus, there’s additionally Mortiz Wagner and Bol Bol seeking to accumulate no matter scraps can be found. This isn’t a foul state of affairs; quite the opposite, the competitors will permit the Magic to see who’s value maintaining and who’s commerce bait.
SEASON PREDICTION
A superb mannequin for the Magic to observe is Memphis; the Grizzlies made a gradual climb for a number of years after which soared final season when Ja Morant took a star flip. This might occur in Orlando with Banchero, however this course of takes time. Till they discover the proper chemistry and blend, the Magic may begin gradual but end quick by springtime, lending hope for the next season. Wins are vital however realistically, the Magic have to see extra development from Suggs, Wagner and a Rookie of the 12 months efficiency from Banchero. That might stamp the season a hit. Projection: Draft Lottery.
1 KEY STAT TO KNOW
103.2 — The Magic’s most-used lineup — Anthony, Suggs, Franz Wagner, Carter and Bamba — allowed simply 103.2 factors per 100 possessions, the sixth greatest mark amongst 27 lineups that performed a minimum of 200 minutes final season.
— John Schuhmann
PROJECTED STARTING FIVE
Markelle Fultz: Held to 18 video games final season due to yet one more damage, Fultz is the steadiest of guards each time wholesome, though he may be talked about as bait by the commerce deadline.
Jalen Suggs: After a so-so begin to his rookie season that wasn’t helped by a thumb damage, Suggs established a little bit of consistency and dropped hints of a very good future.
Paolo Banchero: He could possibly be the franchise savior as a result of he checks loads of containers and can undoubtedly be thrown into the hearth instantly.
Franz Wagner: Clean and essentially sound, Wagner had a sturdy rookie season (15.2 factors per recreation, 4.5 rebounds per recreation) and brings all-around capacity.
Wendell Carter Jr.: An excellent (if undersized) middle who has made consistency his trademark. He collects double-doubles, however isn’t a major possibility offensively.
KEY RESERVES
Jonathan Issac: Orlando gave him an enormous extension proper earlier than the accidents mounted and he had an opportunity to determine himself within the league, however he brings protection and abilities.
Cole Anthony: A feisty and energetic level guard who prospered when Fultz handled accidents. How will he adapt if he’s again to coming off the bench?
Terrence Ross: Veteran shooter is dealing with the downslope of his profession and is now not the go-to possibility when Orlando wants an enormous bucket.
LAST 5 SEASONS
How the Magic have fared stats-wise during the last 5 seasons …
Final 5 seasons
Season |
W |
L |
PCT |
OffRtg |
Rank |
DefRtg |
Rank |
NetRtg |
Rank |
Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-22 |
22 |
60 |
0.268 |
103.9 |
29 |
112.1 |
19 |
-8.1 |
28 |
|
2020-21 |
21 |
51 |
0.292 |
104.6 |
29 |
113.9 |
26 |
-9.3 |
29 |
|
2019-20 |
33 |
40 |
0.452 |
107.9 |
23 |
109.2 |
11 |
-1.3 |
19 |
X |
2018-19 |
42 |
40 |
0.512 |
108.2 |
22 |
107.6 |
8 |
+0.6 |
14 |
X |
2017-18 |
25 |
57 |
0.305 |
104.7 |
25 |
109.4 |
20 |
-4.7 |
25 |
OffRtg = Factors scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Factors allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Level differential per 100 possessions
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Shaun Powell has lined the NBA for greater than 25 years. You possibly can e-mail him right here, discover his archive right here and observe him on Twitter.
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