The Orlando Magic have loads of questions coming into the 2022-23 season, which can tip off towards the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 19.
Their coaching camp, which begins in two weeks at their new state-of-the-art IntroductionHealth Training Center, ought to assist present solutions.
The Magic’s 2½ weeks between the beginning of camp and the common season, which incorporates 5 preseason video games, will present perception on their plan for his or her guards — arguably the group with essentially the most questions.
Orlando’s guards embody Cole Anthony, Devin Cannady, Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton and Jalen Suggs.
Zavier Simpson and Drake Jeffries are also anticipated to be on the 20-man training-camp roster after agreeing to Exhibit 10 offers with the Magic.
Here are three storylines to watch as soon as camp begins:
1. Will Suggs’ capturing enhance?
Among the 292 gamers who performed no less than 20 video games and averaged no less than 2 3-point makes an attempt, Suggs’ capturing share from past the arc (21.4%) ranked final.
Three-point capturing wasn’t anticipated to be a major power of Suggs’ recreation as a rookie. But the extent to which he struggled as an out of doors shooter was eye-opening.
His time on the ground was restricted to 48 video games performed due to accidents.
How a lot Suggs’ accidents and being in out and out of the lineup contributed to these capturing woes isn’t recognized however might’ve performed an element.
Suggs made 25.5% of his 3s within the 21 video games he performed earlier than fracturing his proper thumb (capturing hand). That’s nonetheless a poor mark however a major enchancment from his season-long capturing.
In the 27 video games he performed after coming back from the thumb harm, which included coping with ankle accidents, Suggs shot 17% from past the arc.
Suggs acknowledged his capturing and ballhandling had been expertise he was trying to enhance forward of his second season.
He is probably not relied upon as a ballhandler as a lot as final season.
Forward Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 decide in June’s draft, and Fultz, who returned from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, will possible carry a major load of the offense — making it extra crucial Suggs improves as a shooter when working extra off the ball.
Suggs’ 77.3% free-throw share and 33.7% 3-point share in his lone school season at Gonzaga counsel he can turn out to be a a lot better exterior shooter.
Whether he’ll ought to turn out to be clearer quickly.
2. Hampton’s position
Among the guards who had been in final 12 months’s rotation, Hampton’s position for subsequent season is the least clear.
He wasn’t the first ballhandler as steadily final season with Anthony, Fultz and Suggs on the roster in comparison with 2020-21 after being traded to Magic.
Hampton’s on-ball obligations possible will take one other dip in 2022-23.
He already began to make the transition to a extra off-ball position final season, being concerned in fewer pick-and-rolls and extra of his utilization coming in spot-up conditions.
Hampton’s play all through final season and even summer season league suggests an off-ball position could also be higher suited to him. He improved his 3-point share considerably from his rookie season (31%) to final 12 months (35%).
Will coach Jamahl Mosley and his employees use Hampton, 21, as a wing much more in his third season to assist open up extra taking part in time amongst a guard room stocked with youthful gamers?
Last season’s outcomes confirmed it’s a risk.
3. Starters/rotation
Based on how final season ended, Fultz is predicted to occupy one of many beginning backcourt spots.
Regardless who begins subsequent to Fultz between Anthony and Suggs, each shall be a major a part of the rotation.
Anthony, the No. 15 decide within the 2020 draft, was the crew’s main scorer (16.3 factors) final 12 months whereas Suggs was the No. 5 decide within the 2021 draft and already has proven superior expertise as a defender and playmaker.
Gary Harris, who can be utilized as a guard and wing, was anticipated to be part of the rotation after signing a 2-year, $26 million extension to return to Orlando earlier than free company formally began July 1. But his standing for the season’s begin is unknown after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after tearing his meniscus.
Will Harris’ harm open extra alternatives within the rotation for Hampton, no less than in the course of the preseason and doubtlessly the regular-season’s begin?
When it involves the guards, Mosley has a variety of choices for the rotation. It’s as much as him, the teaching employees and gamers to determine that are the very best.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_pr
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Source: www.bostonherald.com