While the Orlando Magic have started the 2021-2022 NBA Season off slow and are still searching for their first win, two of their players are off to scorching hot starts. These two players are Franz Wagner and Mo Bamba, both former first-round picks of the Magic. While Wagner is in his rookie season and Bamba is entering his fourth, both have a lot on the line. Both Wagner and Bamba will continue to compete with Terrence Ross, Moritz Wagner, and others for playing time. If Wagner and Bamba make the most of their playing time, then their limited playing roles will likely be expanded. Although it’s been three games, both players have taken this to heart. Simply, they have been great for a struggling Magic team.
Bamba Has An Impressive Start to the Season Amidst a “Make-or-Break” Season
After having a disappointing start to his NBA Career, Bamba has entered a make-or-break season in 2021. With his rookie contract set to expire this offseason, Bamba needs to prove he can be an integral piece to the Magic. Even though we are three games into the season, Bamba’s done just that. In those three games, Bamba is averaging 14.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, and 2.0 BPG in 31.6 MPG. Bamba is also shooting 56.3% from the Field, 45.0% from three-point range, and 41.6% from the free-throw line. Bamba’s performance goes much deeper than his stats, as his impact on the court can’t be understated enough. Bamba has had many key plays in the pick-and-roll and has asserted himself as a brick wall in the paint. Although this may be credited to a normal offseason, it may actually be for Bamba getting playing time, as the 34 minutes he played against the Knicks on Friday marked a career-high.
Wagner Has a Great Start to His NBA Career with a Pair of Marquee Games
While Wagner doesn’t have as much on the line as Bamba does, a hot start would benefit Wagner by getting more playing time. So far, Wagner looks like a worthy candidate, as the Michigan alum is averaging 12.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 1.3 APG in 35.0 MPG. Wagner is also shooting 51.0% from the field and 32.2% from downtown. From a viewer’s standpoint, Wagner’s ability to cut to the rim and to finish has been exciting to watch. Wagner’s greatest skill entering the NBA Draft was his shooting, which is the main reason why Orlando selected him. After going 0-of-2 from downtown in Orlando’s opener against the Spurs, Wagner proceeded to knock down four of his five attempts from the three-point line against the Knicks. If Wagner continues to have flashes, then the Magic may look like they found their spot-up shooter for the future.