It was the fourth time the Orlando Magic struck gold within the draft lottery and claimed that elusive No.1 overall pick. Their previous three selections were all big men, and that didn’t change this yr as they surprised the NBA fans by choosing Duke’s Paolo Banchero. His variety of play matches tremendously with other key pieces on the roster, equivalent to Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., and Cole Anthony.
The hype entering this yr will not be solely on Banchero as Wagner was also incredible within the FIBA EuroBasket 2022. Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs will likely be injured at first of the season, so the opposite guards will likely be thrust into significant roles immediately. The returning Jonathan Isaac will come back with a vengeance as he missed over two years with an ACL injury. A championship or deep playoff run is removed from their sight, but this yr will likely be a big step of their development process.
Franz Wagner’s breakout season
Originally, the pick Orlando used to pick out Franz Wagner was purported to be with the Chicago Bulls. The Magic stole that pick and arguably selected top-of-the-line rookies in last yr’s deep draft class. His slashing and individual shot creation of Wagner is what caught the eye of individuals as he began 79 games and averaged 15.2 points with an eFG% of 51.7%.
The methodical and mature approach of Franz Wagner was superb because rookies often take a yr or two before they’re used to the pace and variety of the NBA. The brand new challenge for the talented forward is expanding his repertoire this upcoming season, as defenses will focus more on him. One facet wherein he’ll likely take a jump is his playmaking, especially with the peak and unselfishness he possesses.
Jonathan Isaac slumps, Magic trades him
When Orlando had the frontcourt of Jonathan Isaac, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Vucevic, it seemed that Isaac was the one which was untouchable due to his upside defensively. Injuries have hampered the trajectory of his profession, so it seems probable that his arsenal continues to be much like what it was a few years ago.
The offense of Banchero, Wagner and even Wendell Carter Jr. might be more polished and well-rounded in comparison with Isaac. Even when Isaac is inserted for around 12-Quarter-hour an evening, that will not be necessarily a negative for the Magic because the opposite youthful guys may have more ample opportunity on the ground. With three more seasons of $17 million each, Isaac’s contract will likely be tough to maneuver, thus prompting him to play it out in Orlando first and see where it takes him.
Paolo Banchero eclipses 20 PPG this season
NBA pundits thought the Magic were leaning toward Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren in last June’s draft, but they decided to draft Paolo Banchero. The NCAA tournament can have been the first reason for his stock rising as high as No. 1, and his first season within the NBA will likely be no different. The chance will all be here for the stocky forward, and he has the large confidence to back that up.
The partnership of Banchero and Franz Wagner has the potential to be a lethal combination in the subsequent couple of years. The front office of Orlando did a commendable job of executing their goals of maximizing the Wagner pick and possibly unlocking the potential of others like Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. Furthermore, Paolo Banchero might want to learn to be simpler as an off-ball mover as Orlando has quite a few guys that may create for him. If that every one falls into place, 20 PPG will likely be easy breezy for Banchero.
