NBA Daily: 2022-2023 Season Preview #1 – Orlando Magic
By Reylan Loberternos
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 13 Sep 2022
In this limited 30-part series, we shall be discussing each team’s latest developments, current roster, and future prospects in the upcoming 2022-2023 NBA season. For every team, we will examine bit-by-bit the important aspects that may shape its progress and provide a rough projection of how it will fare vis-à-vis its previous year’s performance and versus the rest of the league.
ORLANDO MAGIC
2021-2022 Season Win-Loss Record:
22-60
Depth Chart:
PG – Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Devin Canady
SG – Jalen Suggs, Garry Harris, R.J. Hampton
SF – Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Terrence Ross
PF – Paolo Banchero, Chuma Okeke, Mo Bamba
CE – Wendel Carter, Jr., Moritz Wagner, Bol Bol
Head Coach:
Jamahl Mosley
Headliners:
Without a shadow of doubt, taking forward Paolo Banchero as first overall in the recent NBA Rookie Draft was the best thing that happened to this slumping franchise. With a great history of drafting big men that became great players, Shaquille O’Neil and Dwight Howard to name a few, Orlando will have another chance to further that reputation with Banchero in tow. This is a relatively young team, with veteran wingman Terrence Ross as the oldest and only Magic player in his 30s. Banchero is immediately expected to take the leadership role from the get-go, as he did in Duke.
Even in a losing season, Orlando has made great strides molding young players into solid ones with ample playing time to distribute among them. Fourth-year center Wendell Carter Jr. averaged a double-double last season, with career bests 15.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest in 62 games played. Sophomore guard Cole Anthony also thrived as a starter, with 16.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 5.7 apg, but is expected to go back to his sixth-man’s role with the return of Markelle Fultz.
First round picks in last year’s rookie draft, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, were also impressive in their rookie seasons. Wagner averaged 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, while Suggs added 11.8 markers, 3.6 boards, and 4.4 dimes on a nightly basis for the Magic.
Orlando was at the bottom of the team standings, with Houston as the only one with a worse record, last season. With one year added to the experience of its young core and the timely addition of Banchero, there is no other way but up for the Magic. However, with a very stacked and highly competitive Eastern Conference, Orlando may still find themselves only realistically vying for a play-in tournament spot.
Injury Updates:
Veteran guard Garry Harris underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to miss time, as he undergoes rehab and treatment. Jonathan Isaac remains without a timetable, but is hopeful to back from his hamstring injury just in time for training camp.
Comments are highly appreciated. You may send them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph and you may follow me @reylan_l on twitter.
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