NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The 2022-23 NBA season is just around the corner and Orlando Magic fans now have a lot more to look forward to during the rebuilding phase following a forgettable 22-60 record last year. This squad is at the top of my favorite young team’s list. A lot to be hyped about in the Magic Kingdom.
As mentioned the Magic is fully committed to rebuilding and they have the young players with talent and potential that could possibly become some of the next stars and superstars of the NBA, however, health has been the biggest hurdle that has prevented the Magic young players to develop together. The biggest key for the Magic this season will be avoiding the injury bug. Last year, Orlando ranked first in the league in games missed due to injury or health and safety protocols.
During the off-season, Magic front office made the correct necessary moves showing that they’re committed to building a winning basketball team. Continuity is a very key component to a team’s success or lack of success. Magic’ re-signed Mo Bamba and Gary Harris and signed Bol Bol to a two-year deal.
The return of Markelle Fultz full-time was exciting news until he recently fractured his toe which will keep him out for some time. He had finally appeared to be healthy and recovered from the ACL injury until recently and ready to have his breakout season. Gary Harris is already sidelined recovering from knee surgery after tearing his meniscus. Last year’s No. 5 overall pick Jalen Suggs and third-year pro-R.J. Hampton will most likely split time filling in for Harris if and when he returns. The Magic drafted Paolo Banchero number one overall in the first round and Caleb Houstan 32nd with their second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Cole Anthony
Jalen Suggs
Franz Wagner
Paolo Banchero
Wendell Carter Jr.
RESERVES
Mo Bamba
Jonathan Isaac
Markelle Fultz
R.J. Hampton
Terrence Ross
Bol Bol
Caleb Houston
Chuma Okeke
HEAD COACH
Jamahl Mosley (22-60) is in his second year as head coach of the Orlando Magic. Since Mosley has become the coach of the Magic, they’ve become a better defensive team. The problem is while they defended fairly well, scoring was a problem. Now with the addition of Banchero and Cole Anthony ability to create for others as the point guard, Orlando Magic offense could improve drastically this season.
OUTLOOK
The Orlando Magic have a young talented roster of inexperienced players but all with the potential to get better. With the Magic being led by Cole, Carter, Wagner, and Banchero are exciting going forward. If those guys can stay healthy and all mesh well together, the Magic can become a nightly competitive team. They may not win many games this year but their future is bright. Depending on when Fultz returns to the lineup he could come back and give the Magic another player who can not only create for himself but can create for others as well. I expect Bol Bol to be a key rotation player who can provide the offense with a spark off the bench. Look for coach Mosley to run the Magic offense mainly through Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Caleb Houstan will be depended on for bench scoring and defense coming off the bench.
PROJECTED RECORD
25-57
Contributions by Melo Willams
