Six Young Players Giving Reason for Optimism for the Orlando Magic

By  //  December 14, 2022

The Orlando Magic have had a rough few years. Since the era of Dwight Howard, when the Magic were regular fixtures in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, things have been dire. While the Magic have squeaked into the playoffs a couple of times, it hasn’t felt like the team would be competing for a championship any time soon for some time. However, this year, there does seem to be a different atmosphere about the team.

While the Magic are not competing at a high level, as they are 5-20 at the time of writing, which is last in the NBA, the future seems bright. The Magic finally have a bright young team stocked with talent that many pundits believe can be a real contender down the road. Fans are responding as well.

Magic fans are flocking to the best betting sites they can find to place futures on the Magic because, for what feels like the first time in forever, there is reason to expect a team that can compete for championships. Let’s look at the six young players on the Magic providing the biggest reason for optimism.

Paolo Banchero

When the Magic selected Paolo Banchero first overall in the 2022 draft, many were surprised. However, since he arrived on the court, he has done nothing but justifies that selection. Banchero has been absolutely incredible for the Magic and is the clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year.

At the time of writing, Banchero is averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. While his three-point shot hasn’t been falling, Banchero has been dominant. At only 20 years of age, he has been more athletic and stronger than his older competition and has looked like a very natural playmaker. He is the biggest reason for optimism for the Magic, as they have a future superstar.

Franz Wagner

The breakout rookie for the Magic last year was the German point forward Franz Wagner. He has surprised since he arrived in the league with an advanced, mature game. Wagner is 21 with a well-rounded skillset that can help a team win. He is 6 foot 10 but an adept passer and is able to put the ball on the floor as well.

He is a surprisingly adept playmaker and often runs point in the Magic’s gigantic lineups. This year, Wagner is averaging 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, and doing it all shooting just a hair under 50% from the field.

Jalen Suggs

One thing that many feel the Magic need to go to the next level is a lead guard, and that is what Jalen Suggs has the potential to be. Suggs was drafted fifth overall in 2021, and while he’s struggled, the upside remains intact. He is a great leader, sees the floor well, and is a more committed defender than many expected. He needs to get his shot to start falling to really blossom, but even with his three-ball not an asset at this stage of his career, he is still contributing. He averages 12.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 steals, and 1.6 steals per game.

Bol Bol

No one saw this one coming. Bol Bol had barely seen an NBA floor his first few seasons in the league, but the Magic are giving him a chance and being rewarded for it. Bol Bol is 7’2 and a shot-blocking menace. He also can put the ball on the floor and has been lights out from three. His game has grown massively in the past few years, and at 23, he is only going to get better. He is one of the most improved players in the league, averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and shooting 60% from the field and 41.3% from three.

Wendell Carter Jr.

When Nikola Vucevic was traded for Wendell Carter as the centerpiece, Magic fans weren’t sure what they were getting. Well, they are clearly getting a beast of a center, as Carter Jr. has blossomed since he arrived in Orlando. He is already playing at a higher level than Vucevic and is only 23 years old. He crashes the board, plays defense, and is a surprisingly talented passer. He is going to be dominant down low for the Magic for years to come. Carter Jr. is currently averaging 16.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and shooting 54.5% from the floor and 34.6% from three.

Caleb Houstan

Caleb Houstan hasn’t seen the results that many of his peers on this list have, but he is still a player to keep an eye on. After being a 2nd round pick in the 2022 draft, he has seen the floor a surprising amount this season. The results have been iffy, but Houstan is only 19 years old, and he appears to have gained coach Jamahl Mosley’s trust. He is a big, strong guard at 6’8, 205 pounds, and shooting an encouraging 35.7% from three. If he continues to grow, he could be a valuable 3-and-D specialist.

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