NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
At the start of the season, the goal for the Orlando Magic was to make the playoffs or at least the play-in game. It was a season full of so many positive moments and even though they had a 1st round exit we have a LOT to build on. The nation was able to see the greatness that is Paolo Banchero as he made his first NBA All-Star Game with more to come. Head coach Jamahl Mosley was a top contender for the NBA Coach of the Year and should have won it but that is for another day. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the season and what could/should the Magic do this summer.
Heading into the year we knew a leap was coming from Paolo and he showed it early and throughout the season with some monster games and moments. People who follow the league and his fellow players are all seeing the work he is putting in and it showed when the coaches voted him as an All-Star reserve and his numbers as well. He ended with 22.6 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists per game while increasing his shooting percentages to 45.5 percent overall and 33.9 percent from deep.
In the playoffs, he was the lead dog averaging 27 ppg, and in the game 7 loss gave them 30 points. No doubt he will be in the lab this summer and adding to his bag. I also will look for the league to start showcasing him as well. Plus there is NEVER anything wrong with some playoff experience. Jalen Suggs found his place not just on this team but the NBA, which is as a lockdown defender with an improving offense. Again, as is the common theme his peers saw, and that is why he made the All-Defense team. He has a new contract coming his way and should be a key part of the team’s future plans.
Franz Wagner was awful in game 7 shooting 1 for 15, one of his worst games at the worst possible moment but they aren’t in a game 7 or the playoffs without him. “I expect a lot more from myself,” Wagner said. “It sucks to end the season like this. I feel like I let my team down a little bit.” That mindset will carry him all offseason no doubt about it. With, Paolo as Batman Franz is Robin. Another player who showed up on the defensive side was Johnathan Isaac who was a beast in the paint and more importantly, was HEALTHY playing 58 games the most he has played in YEARS, he set the tone for the great defense the Magic played all season.
What About This Summer?
Now with the summer here what does this team need to do? Finding a TRUE point guard, and solid shooting is at the TOP of the wish list. The second thing is to take care of their own and decide who stays and who goes, did we see enough from Markelle Fultz? Is Gary Harris a keeper? Do you pick up the option on Joe Ingels? According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks Orlando will have at least 30 million dollars in cap space! Can we get more minutes for Anthony Black and Jett Howard to see what they have to offer? With all the draft capital in tack and winning those December and January games, things can improve super fast. This is the hard part of the rebuild you have tasted some success ok now what? Don’t take a step back like the Kings did or throw crazy money at an injury-prone 34-year-old Paul George this team is a mini version of OKC and can take a big leap with solid moves. There are teams league-wide that would kill for this opportunity which is why it is so important not to mess it up.
I will be locked in with what is and isn’t done this offseason and until then Orlando Magic fans play that song…….
