In the 22nd of 30 NBA previews prior to the start of the season, we will take a look at the Orlando Magic. In this preview, we will discuss Orlando’s key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.
Key Acquisition
Orlando’s most notable offseason acquisition was the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero of Seattle, Washington out of Duke University. Even though Banchero is American born, he intends to play internationally for Italy because his father is Italian. Banchero was the Atlantic Coast rookie of the year in 2021-22, as he averaged 17.2 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game. With the Magic, Banchero is expected to start at power forward in his NBA rookie season.
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Fantasy Star
The Magic do not have a player projected in the top 10 at any fantasy position in the NBA heading into the 2022-23 regular season. The top ranked player is forward Franz Wagner of Berlin, Germany. In his rookie season with the Magic in 2021-22, Wagner averaged 15.2 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game. He had a field goal percentage of .468, three-point percentage of .354, and a free throw percentage of .863.
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Projected Finish
There is no doubt the Magic are in a rebuilding phase under second year head coach Jamahl Mosley. In addition to Wagner and Banchero, the other projected members of the Orlando starting five include 24-year-old guard Markelle Fultz, 21-year-old guard Jalen Suggs (the Magic first round pick from 2021) and 23-year-old center Wendell Carter Jr. Joel Beatton and I both have Orlando finishing last this season in the Southeast Division.
