Orlando Magic Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCESoutheast DivisionOrlando Magic

Oct 15

Our Orlando Magic preview 2021 observes that in the past 11 seasons, this team has had a half-dozen head coaches. Over the course of those seasons, the Magic made the postseason four times. Each time, they lost in the First Round. Last year was especially dismal, as Orlando won 21 and lost 51 games for a winning percentage of .292. Consequently, they finished last in the Southeast and 14th in the East. One might think that things can’t get any worse. However, they actually might this season.

Magic Frontcourt

Our Orlando Magic preview 2021 observes that small forward Terrence Ross has been a productive and effective sixth player. This year the 10-year NBA vet will likely start. Ross is a 41.7 percent shooter who last season averaged 15.9 PPG. Age and wear and tear could be an issue. Second-year power forward Chuma Okeke (7.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.2 APG) averaged 25.2 MPG last season. Okeke converted 41.7 percent of his field goals. He’ll be asked to step up this season. Thus, a lot more will be expected from him. There’s virtually no experience behind Okeke, as rookie Franz Wagner is the designated substitute with journeyman Moritz Wagner being the next man in.

Starting center will either be fourth-year player Wendell Carter Jr. or third-year man Mo Bamba. Last season, Carter recorded 11.7 PPG and 8.8 RPG while averaging 26.5 MPG. Bamba, who played 15.8 MPG, was good for 8.0 PPG and 5.8 RPG. Both recorded field-goal rates of over 46 percent, while Bamba, who’s a seven-footer, is a much better three-point shooter. Expect each to have a shot at starting this season.

Orlando Magic Preview – Backcourt

The guard spots are up in the air. One thing is fairly certain, Jalen Suggs, this year’s fifth overall pick in the draft, will be utilized. Suggs has ROY potential. Entering his second NBA season, Cole Anthony (12.9 PPG, 4.1 APG, 4.7 RPG) looks to have the inside track on point guard. In his rookie season, he completed 39.7 percent of his field goals and 33.7 percent of his threes. Michael Carter-Williams and Gary Harris will likely sub in the backcourt. However, neither offers great scoring chops.