Despite an awful 2-8 start to the 2021-2022 NBA Season, this season has a much different feel than previous ones for the Orlando Magic. In fact, Orlando’s play during their first ten games has revealed something that this team now has after lacking it for several years. This characteristic is resilience, which will make Orlando’s front office optimistic about their future moving forward. A great example of this was last Friday’s crushing defeat of the Toronto Raptors, 109-110. With 2:04 left in the game, Orlando could’ve easily given up and accepted their third straight loss after Toronto extended their 110-98 lead. Instead, the Magic continued to fight and closed the game out on a 10-0 run, falling one point short of an impressive comeback. What’s more promising is that Orlando’s young players have stepped up to the challenge and are thriving in their new roles.
Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba have been a Dynamic Duo in the Frontcourt
Entering this season, most people would say that Jonathan Isaac is Orlando’s most talented frontcourt player, and that was the right answer. The caveat to Isaac is his health, which has held him back from stepping foot onto the basketball court since August 2nd, 2020. On a positive note, the absence of Isaac had given Carter Jr. and Bamba a chance to prove themself this season.
Nor Carter Jr. or Bamba have disappointed, as both are in the midst of career years. Carter Jr. is averaging a career-high 12.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, along with 0.6 SPG and 0.8 BPG. Bamba’s posting similar numbers, with 11.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, including 0.8 SPG, and 2.1 BPG. As previously mentioned, both Carter Jr. and Bamba were due for extensions this offseason, but with both producing career-best numbers, it’s a safe bet to say that they’ll be in Orlando for a while.
Rookie First Round Picks Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner are off to Scorching-Hot Starts
As a rookie in the NBA, it’s completely fine to have your share of struggles. Practically every rookie has had some form of struggles this season, including the No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham. Like Cunningham, Suggs and Wagner have both had their struggles, but have quickly overcome them and have exceeded everyone’s expectations. While Suggs’ numbers aren’t jaw-dropping at 12.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 3.4 APG, his leadership and discipline have a much greater impact on the game than the boxscore shows. As for Wagner, he’s already started to fill the role that Orlando envisioned him in as a three-and-d wing. Wagner is currently averaging 14.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, along with shooting 47.5% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. While getting Suggs and Wagner playing time is important, keeping them healthy and free of injury should also be a major priority.