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LeBron James, Russell Westbrook Lead Lakers to Bounce-Back Win over Magic

Jan 22, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic during a game at Amway Center on January 21, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic during a game at Amway Center on January 21, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a 111-104 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday with a 116-105 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday at Amway Center to move to 23-23 on the season.

The Purple and Gold were without Anthony Davis for the 16th straight game as he continues to recover from an MCL sprain. They have been struggling in his absence and are now 7-9 since Dec. 19. 

Friday's win doesn't necessarily mean much for the Lakers moving forward as the Magic own the worst record in the NBA, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings at 8-39. However, a loss would have been deflating for the team, which entered the 2021-22 season with NBA title hopes. 

And while the Lakers won Friday night, they are far from competing with the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz for the top spot in the West. But regardless, a win is a step in the right direction. 

Notable Stats

LeBron James, SF, LAL: 29 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK

Jalen Suggs, SG, ORL: 22 PTS, 4 REB, 9 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK

Russell Westbrok, PG, LAL: 18 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL

Franz Wagner, SF, ORL: 15 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK

Carmelo Anthony, PF, LAL: 23 PTS, 3 REB, 1 BLK

Gary Harris, SG, ORL: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST

Russell Westbrook Responds to Benching With Efficient Outing

After shooting just five of 17 from the floor and four of six from deep for 14 points, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel opted to bench Westbrook in the final minutes of Wednesday's loss to the Pacers. 

The 33-year-old told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski after the game that he was disappointed with the benching and was still committed to "figure s--t out and do what's best for our team to win in the long run."

And it certainly appears Westbrook has turned that disappointment into fuel as he responded with a much better effort on Friday against the Magic, finishing with 18 points on 8-of-17 shooting (47 percent) from the floor.

Westbrook was traded to the Lakers in a July trade from the Washington Wizards. L.A. is the fourth team he's played for in four seasons, so it's not necessarily surprising that he has struggled to find his footing, especially on a Lakers squad that has seen plenty of turnover in the last year. 

The two-time scoring champion entered Friday's game averaging 18.5 points, which is his lowest scoring output since his second season in the league in 2009-10, in addition to eight rebounds and 7.8 assists per game.

Regardless, Friday's performance is undoubtedly something for Westbrook to build upon. The Lakers were plus-11 with him on the floor, and it was one of his more efficient games of late. 

As L.A. looks to build momentum in the coming weeks, his performance will be crucial if it wants to make the postseason. 

Jalen Suggs Has Best Performance Since Returning From Injury 

While the Magic didn't win Friday night, Suggs certainly did as he put together his best performance since returning from a fractured thumb Jan. 14.

The 2021 fifth overall pick finished with 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists on 6-of-16 shooting from the field and 1-of-7 shooting from deep. It was an impressive performance, especially considering Cole Anthony, the 15th overall pick in 2020 finished with just four points, four rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes.

Friday's game also marked Suggs' highest scoring output since a Nov. 19 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, a game in which he had 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. 

Suggs' performance helped Orlando enter halftime with the lead over L.A. And the Magic stayed right with the Lakers through the third quarter thanks to the 20-year-old. However, the Lakers, with their veteran talent, were able to pull away in the fourth quarter.

While the likes of Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes are getting the most attention of the 2021 draft class, Suggs is undoubtedly making a name for himself in Orlando.

The Gonzaga product entered averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists for a Magic team that's been hammered by injuries.

And while the Magic almost certainly won't make the postseason this year, allowing Suggs to play every possible minute to continue his development will be key.

Orlando has one of the youngest rosters in the league with Suggs, Anthony, Mo Bamba and Franz Wagner, among others. Continuing to get those guys reps will only help the team moving forward.

What's Next?

The Lakers will travel to face the Miami Heat on Sunday, while the Magic will host the Chicago Bulls. 

LeBron James Notches 30-Point Triple-Double to Lead Lakers Past Cole Anthony, Magic

Dec 13, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 12, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 12: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 12, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers may finally be moving toward consistency.

Los Angeles defeated the Orlando Magic 106-94 in Sunday's matchup at Staples Center. LeBron James notched a triple-double and led the way for the victors, who improved to 15-13 on the season with their second straight win.

Solid showings from Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner weren't enough for the struggling Magic, who fell to 5-23 on the season with a fifth consecutive loss.

Notable Player Stats

  • LeBron James, F, LAL: 30 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST, 3 BLK
  • Russell Westbrook, G, LAL: 19 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
  • Talen Horton-Tucker, G, LAL: 19 PTS, 6 STL, 3 AST
  • Cole Anthony, G, ORL: 21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
  • Franz Wagner, F, ORL: 20 PTS, 7 REB
  • Wendell Carter Jr., C, ORL: 16 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST

Lakers Ride Dominant Third Quarter to Victory

The Lakers received unfortunate news before the game even started, as Anthony Davis was ruled out for the second straight contest with left knee soreness.

That didn't stop the Purple and Gold from winning Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to an impressive offensive showing from James. While Los Angeles appeared to go through the motions for stretches in the first half as it fell behind, the King was dialed in from a statistical standpoint.

He led all players in rebounds at intermission while pacing the home team in scoring as well.

Carmelo Anthony added some offense off the bench, but it was clear the Purple and Gold were missing Davis as they were outplayed and outrebounded in the first half and thrown into comeback mode.

Turns out, comeback mode was an ideal mode for the home team.

Los Angeles exploded for a 23-0 run during a third quarter that saw it outscore the Magic 36-10. James turned back the clock with blocks on the defensive side and more scoring, Talen Horton-Tucker caught fire with his shot and Russell Westbrook did a little bit of everything with his scoring, passing and rebounding.

While there will be more challenging games than the Magic, it was the type of dominant quarter that should provide confidence for a team looking for more consistency. It also took the pressure off LeBron and Co. in the fourth quarter, which was fortunate because they coasted for stretches and allowed Orlando to climb back within striking distance.

Promising Start Not Enough for Magic

While No. 5 overall pick Jalen Suggs is sidelined with an injury, the rest of Orlando's season is all about gaining experience for the young core of Anthony, Wagner and Co.

Sunday was an opportunity to pick up some of that experience against one of the league's presumed title contenders, and they went toe-to-toe with the Lakers while seizing early momentum. Orlando built a 25-18 lead through the first quarter and took a three-point advantage into the halftime locker room behind a balanced attack.

Anthony found his stroke from deep, while Terrence Ross provided a spark off the bench with his own outside shooting.

Throw in Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Robin Lopez providing secondary support, and it was clear the Magic weren't intimidated by the road environment against a team with more talent on paper.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the talent won out in the decisive third quarter.

Wagner and Carter at least continued to play well in the second half, and the Magic showed some fight by outscoring the Lakers in the fourth quarter after losing control of the game. There are some building blocks in place, and the future will look better when Suggs is back and healthy.

Still, those pieces weren't ready to beat a team with LeBron on the other side on Sunday.       

What's Next?

Both teams are in action Wednesday when the Lakers are at the Dallas Mavericks and the Magic host the Atlanta Hawks.

Magic's Jalen Suggs Won't Need Surgery on Thumb Injury; Reevaluation in 2 Weeks

Dec 1, 2021
Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs plays during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs plays during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Orlando Magic rookie point guard Jalen Suggs is set to miss time after suffering a fractured right thumb Monday. On Tuesday, the team provided some clarity on the extent of his injury.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Orlando said Suggs will not require surgery and he will be evaluated every two weeks to assess how his thumb is healing.

Suggs exited Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter after Sixers big man Joel Embiid stripped him of the ball on a drive to the basket. The Gonzaga product was amid one of his best games of the season prior to exiting with 17 points and five assists. It was his fourth straight game scoring in double figures.

Suggs has started all 21 games he has played as a rookie, but he's struggled to find consistency. The 2021 fifth overall pick averages 12.3 points, 3.6 assists and a team-high 3.2 turnovers in 27.8 minutes per game. He's shooting 33.9 percent from the field and 25.5 percent on three-pointers despite averaging the second-most field goal attempts on the team behind only leading scorer Cole Anthony.

At 4-18, the Magic have the worst record in the NBA. Suggs' injury adds to the list of ailments Orlando has been working through this season. Anthony has missed the last six games while nursing a sprained ankle. Veteran guards Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) and Markelle Fultz (knee) and forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) have yet to play this season.

Suggs absence would likely mean more minutes for second-year guard R.J. Hampton, who is averaging 7.5 points this season. Veteran guard Gary Harris will also be called upon to provide some stability in Orlando's backcourt.

Magic's Jalen Suggs Will Miss Extended Period of Time with Fractured Thumb Injury

Nov 30, 2021
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 13, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 13, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic announced that guard Jalen Suggs suffered a fractured right thumb against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday and will miss an extended period of time.

Prior to exiting the contest, Suggs had one of his best games of the season with 17 points and five assists. It was his fourth straight game scoring in double figures.

The 20-year-old was ruled out of Orlando's game on Nov. 15 against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sprained right ankle. He suffered the injury the night before in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards. He also missed time during the Las Vegas Summer League because of a thumb injury.

Suggs, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, got off to a slow start while enduring some rookie woes. Through 20 games, he averaged 12.1 points and 3.5 assists.

The Gonzaga product's usage has been high in his first year. He's started every game he's played and averages 27.7 minutes. In the games he's played, he's averaged the second-most field-goal attempts on the team behind only leading scorer Cole Anthony.

Suggs' injury is another blow to the Magic backcourt. Veteran guards Michael Carter-Williams and Markelle Fultz have yet to play this season because of ankle and knee injuries, respectively.

With the rookie sidelined, veteran shooting guard Gary Harris is likely to be inserted into the starting lineup as Terrence Ross is set in his role as Orlando's sixth man. Suggs' absence may also mean more playing time for second-year guard R.J. Hampton.

Cole Anthony Out for Magic vs. Bucks with Ankle Injury

Nov 20, 2021
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony moves the ball ab= during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony moves the ball ab= during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The Orlando Magic announced that guard Cole Anthony will not play Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks because of a sprained right ankle.

Even though the Magic have struggled as a team overall with a 4-12 record, Anthony has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the NBA thus far. He is averaging 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game with a 36.6 three-point percentage in 16 games. 

Anthony missed 25 games during his rookie season because of a fractured rib. Injuries were one of the defining stories for Orlando in 2020-21, which helped prompt the front office to go all-in on rebuilding at the trade deadline.

Jonathan Isaac missed the year after tearing his ACL in August 2020, and Markelle Fultz tore his ACL against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 6. 

Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier and Al-Farouq Aminu were all traded last season. Jalen Suggs, the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, will be counted on to become a go-to star who can elevate the play of everyone around him to expedite the franchise's rebuild.

Suggs will be the most likely beneficiary of Anthony's absence against Milwaukee on Saturday, as he figures to be responsible for most of the ball-handling.

R.J. Hampton and Terrence Ross will likely be asked to play bigger roles as scoring guards for head coach Jamahl Mosley as well until Anthony is able to return. 

Jalen Suggs Ruled Out for Magic vs. Hawks with Ankle Injury; Viewed as Day-to-Day

Nov 15, 2021
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 13, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 13, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic announced rookie Jalen Suggs will miss Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained right ankle that leaves him day-to-day.

Suggs exited Sunday's loss to the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter with the right ankle sprain. The 20-year-old also missed time made during the Las Vegas Summer League while nursing a thumb injury. 

Suggs, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft who was a standout at Gonzaga, is in the midst of an inconsistent rookie season as Orlando's starting shooting guard. He's averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 31.2 percent shooting from the field and 20.3 percent shooting from deep. 

R.J. Hampton figures to see more playing time whenever Suggs is sidelined throughout the 2021-22 campaign. Gary Harris could also see more time on the court. 

Suggs is expected to be a foundational piece of Orlando's backcourt alongside Cole Anthony.

Jalen Suggs Doesn't Return for Magic vs. Wizards Because of Ankle Injury

Nov 14, 2021
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during home opener against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on October 20, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during home opener against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on October 20, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic announced that rookie guard Jalen Suggs suffered a right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of his team's 104-92 loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Suggs had eight points in 24 minutes before exiting with 11:27 left in regulation. Cole Anthony subbed in for Suggs.

The 20-year-old Minnesota native joined the Magic as the fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft after a standout freshman season at Gonzaga that earned him consensus All-American honors. The former 5-star prospect averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 30 games with the Zags.

He entered Saturday averaging 11.6 points, 3.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game during his debut campaign in the NBA.

Suggs made his first appearance for Orlando in the Las Vegas Summer League, but the team opted to play it safe by ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament after three games because of a thumb injury.

R.J. Hampton is the primary backcourt reserve who should see an uptick in playing time whenever Suggs is sidelined throughout the 2020-21 season.

Suggs is one of the foundational pieces of the Magic's future and should play a prominent role once he returns to full strength. The team has enough depth to make up for a short-term absence, though.

Wendell Carter Jr., Magic Agree to 4-Year $50M Contract Extension

Oct 15, 2021
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic is interviewed during a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 10, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 10: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic is interviewed during a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 10, 2021 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic are keeping one of their talented frontcourt players for the foreseeable future.

On Friday, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Magic and big man Wendell Carter Jr. agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year, $50 million contract extension.

Carter was previously set for restricted free agency following the 2021-22 campaign.

The Duke product entered the league when the Chicago Bulls appeared to make him a key part of their future with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft. 

He flashed his potential as a double-double threat early in his career but struggled to stay on the court. He appeared in 44 games as a rookie and 43 games in his second season while providing solid interior scoring and rebounding.

Yet the Bulls traded Carter as part of the package that brought back Nikola Vucevic during the 2020-21 campaign.

That gave a rebuilding Magic club a potential young building block, and they clearly value the 22-year-old given this contract extension. He played 22 games for Orlando last season and averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field.

The totals were remarkably similar to his overall averages with the Bulls of 10.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field.

“I feel pretty good," Carter said heading into the upcoming season, per Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel. "I'm going into my fourth year and I know what to expect. I know I got to take care of my body a little bit better, make sure my mindset is right. ... I'm in a situation where I'm able prove what kind of player I really am."

He will look to prove that on a new deal.

Report: Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac to Miss Magic's Opener Amid Injury Rehabs

Sep 28, 2021
Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) sets up a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) sets up a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

When the Orlando Magic open the 2021-22 regular season against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 20, they will reportedly do so without a couple of key players.

According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, neither guard Markelle Fultz nor forward Jonathan Isaac will be ready for the team's season opener as they continue to work their way back from knee surgeries. Robbins noted neither player has suffered a setback in their respective rehabs.

Isaac suffered a torn ACL back on Aug. 2 last year and had surgery five days later. Fultz underwent surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee back on Jan. 20, a procedure that ended his 2020-21 season after just eight appearances.

After an injury-plagued tenure in Philadelphia, Fultz made 72 appearances for Orlando in 2019-20, averaging 12.1 points and 5.1 assists per game. He was off to another solid start last season, posting 12.9 points and 5.4 assists per game prior to his injury.

With Fultz out, the Magic could have either Jalen Suggs—the fifth overall pick in this year's draft—or 2020 first-rounder Cole Anthony start at point guard.

Isaac, meanwhile, averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game back in 2019-20. Isaac's performance helped the Magic make the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

With Isaac and Fultz each sidelined for most, if not all, of the season, Orlando (21-51) finished with the worst record in the league. With the team well out of the playoff chase, it decided to trade away stars Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic ahead of the trade deadline.

Magic 2021-22 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions

Aug 20, 2021
Jalen Suggs, right, poses for a photo with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic during the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
Jalen Suggs, right, poses for a photo with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected fifth overall by the Orlando Magic during the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)

The Orlando Magic haven't gotten out of the first round since 2010 and have only made the playoffs twice in nine seasons, but they're now in the infancy of yet another rebuild.

The team traded Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier at last season's deadline and did so at a discount. None of the players traded to Orlando are viewed as potential All-Stars, and they don't get a future first-round pick from those trades until 2023.

Franz Wagner, the eighth pick in this year's draft, is going to be the most notable asset from the trade bonanza for at least two seasons.

The Magic hope Wagner and No. 5 pick Jalen Suggs can show signs of promise in what will likely be a dismal year of basketball in Orlando.

           

2021-22 Orlando Magic Season Details

Season Opener: at San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Championship Odds: +25000 (via FanDuel)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

            

Top Matchups

Toronto Raptors (First matchup: Oct. 29 at ScotiaBank Arena)

Everyone thought this was a four-player draft: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs. While Suggs was a near-consensus No. 4 in that scenario, he was also a consensus No. 4.

Except to the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors surprised many—though not everyone, if you'd been paying attention to pre-draft rumors—by eschewing the consensus and selecting Scottie Barnes with the fourth pick. Part of the reason the Raptors passed was due to Suggs having a wildly disappointing workout.

Now is the 20-year-old's chance to prove them wrong.

Whereas Barnes will likely be brought along slowly as a rookie, Suggs is going to get thrown in at the deep end for a bad team. Being passed over at No. 4 should give him plenty of motivation to light up the Raptors.

        

Season Forecast

The Magic are going to be one of the four teams with the best odds of winning the 2022 lottery. Will they be the worst of the bunch? Possibly. But there's no logical simulation in which they are anything other than one of the worst teams in the sport.

The fanbase should have its fingers crossed that Suggs is a star because he's the only player on the roster with that level of potential. While there are a handful of promising young players on the roster, none are irreplaceable or worth building your franchise around.

The next three years are going to be very painful and require a lot of lottery luck for the Magic to find their next cornerstone.

Maybe just enjoy the Orlando weather during this season, Magic fans. 

Record Prediction: 20-62

    

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