The Orlando Magic entered this year in a clear rebuild. Some called it a re-tool but trading away your play-off pieces for draft picks should be clear in itself, this team isn’t making the playoffs. Let’s make a quick check-in on where the Magic are thus far in the season.
Win % and Line-Ups
The Magic have one of the lowest predicted win totals at 22.5 from Vegas this year. Currently, the Magic are on pace to win about 24 games; that’s about 30% of their total games, which isn’t bad considering where they are as a roster. The Magic are giving their young players and rookies chances to play. Their most used line-ups both feature Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony, a second and first-year player. Not to mention, Mo Bamba, a player we all knew needed more playing time.
In fact, the Magic’s starting lineup of Anthony, Suggs, Wagner, Bamba, and Carter is +15.1 points in point differential. It’s still very early but that actually could be a bigger deal than people think. I’m not saying this team will generate a huge win streak or anything, but it is saying that their young core, which is infantile, is figuring itself out and finding scoring plays. That says a lot for a team that is giving a rookie a 28% usage rate, which is near the top of the league.
Jalen Suggs
Speaking of Jalen Suggs, he is also worth checking in on. Many picked him for rookie of the year before the season, and while that doesn’t appear to be the case, it is worth mentioning that he is showing flashes of his future. His decision making is quality and he shows real excitement and joy in his playing style. Rookies are typically never expected to contribute early, and while he hasn’t been great, he is at least fun to watch.
His shooting is poor at best, but he is attacking the basket, something he needs to learn early. He hasn’t tried to force too much and shows ability to find open players. Primarily, most of his minutes have been at shooting guard, instead of point guard; which is actually much more to his benefit, and his numbers back that up. Still, Suggs will need to find ways to be productive at point if he is going to have the ball as much as he does.
Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony playing point guard has been the teams best bet for scoring. Averaging nearly 20 points per game in a defensive heavy season isn’t easy. He needs to find ways to get a couple of more assists per game instead of forcing bad looks, but that can come with time. Anthony shows real confidence, even if it can be irrational (which still isn’t a bad thing).
Core and Culture
The Orlando Magic team is far from complete but their roster is showing its potential. This year, Orlando will hope to get another high lottery pick to add to this core. As an organization, it’s never fun to lose, but it is fun watching this youth learn the game.
Orlando made a tough choice by deciding to be one of the only teams going for a rebuild this year, especially in a very tough and competitive Eastern Conference. What they are doing matters for several reasons, though. They are finding an identity. This young core is only going to grow together. In a league where culture matters, that in itself is valuable.