The Orlando Magic began the season 9-6 and at the moment sit in third place within the Jap Convention standings. That is regardless of shedding their star participant, Paolo Banchero, to a proper indirect tear early within the season.
Even with out Banchero, Orlando has discovered methods to win video games with its elite defensive play. Led by Defensive Participant of the Yr prospect Jalen Suggs, the Magic at the moment boast the very best protection within the NBA and are permitting simply 102.2 factors per sport to opposing groups.
Though their protection has been dominant, their offense has been lackluster since Banchero went down. They rating simply 106.9 factors per sport, which ranks them third worst within the NBA behind the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans.
With their offense struggling, Orlando has relied on their protection to win their video games, however that might change if they’ll land a blockbuster cope with the Chicago Bulls for Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic. With Chicago trying to start a rebuild, Lavine and Vucevic have each been on the commerce block for the reason that offseason and are anticipated to be traded earlier than the February deadline.
In a potential commerce, the Magic might ship Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, Gary Harris and draft picks to Chicago for Lavine and Vucevic. This commerce couldn’t occur till January 6 because of Isaac’s not too long ago signed restriction, however that might be excellent timing for Orlando since Banchero ought to be again on the sphere by then.
In keeping with Article by Elaine Blum on FanSidedthe Magic will probably transfer on from Anthony and Howard earlier than the commerce deadline because of their lack of taking part in time in Orlando.
With Orlando buying and selling them to Chicago, they might each see bigger roles and be key components of the Bulls’ rebuild. For the Magic, including a giant scorer in Lavine would assist them tremendously offensively. Regardless of his damage historical past, Lavine has began the season robust and is at the moment averaging 21.6 factors per sport and capturing 50.5% from the sphere and 42.0% from three.
Vucevic would additionally add one other large scorer and measurement to a workforce that desperately wants it. In 15 video games, the previous Magic middle is averaging 20.7 factors and 9.9 rebounds per sport whereas capturing 59.4 % from the sphere and 48.4 % from three.
Whereas this commerce does not make the Magic the very best workforce within the East, it does remedy their offensive issues. With an improved offense to go together with its elite protection, Orlando may very well be a sneaky workforce to characterize the East within the NBA Finals.
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