29. Orlando Magic (16-49), 15th in East
The Orlando Magic aren’t very good, but they’re fun to watch. That’s what happens when you hit on each of your two lottery picks. Jalen Suggs has excelled and struggled in the areas we all knew he would. The Gonzaga product can’t make a shot (36-percent from the field, 22-percent from three), but he’s a springy athlete who can pass and defend. He’ll be just fine. The real diamond from Orlando’s draft haul was eighth overall pick Franz Wagner who looks to be locked-in as a First-Team All-Rookie selection.
In terms of veterans, the Magic have to be pleased with Wendell Carter Jr’s. play this season. A former lottery pick from the Bulls, Carter is enjoying the best year of his career. The former Blue Devil is averaging a double-double and has already made 61 threes in ’22 (previous career-high was eight made threes in a season).
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