The Orlando Magic have loads of questions coming into the 2022-23 season, which can tip off in opposition to the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 19.
Their coaching camp, which begins in a single week 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 wings (combo gamers who can slot in at taking pictures guard or small ahead).
Orlando’s wings embody Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, Chuma Okeke, Terrence Ross and Franz Wagner.
Forwards Kevon Harris and Admiral Schofield are also signed to two-way contracts with the Magic, whereas Joel Ayayi can be included on Orlando’s 20-man training-camp roster after signing an Exhibit 10 deal.
Here are three storylines to watch as soon as camp begins:
1. Wagner’s utilization
Wagner exceeded expectations by enjoying at an elite degree for a rookie a lot of the season.
He averaged 15.2 factors, 4.5 rebounds and a couple of.9 assists in 30.7 minutes (79 begins in 79 appearances), being named to the All-Rookie first staff and ending fourth (two third-place votes) for Rookie of the Year that was awarded to Toronto Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes.
When requested to do extra, Wagner stepped up in a number of sides — particularly as a defender, pick-and-roll ballhandler, driver and playmaker.
He was a high-level cutter and off-ball risk offensively.
The questions surrounding Wagner coming into his second season should not solely about how he’ll construct off final 12 months but in addition his utilization.
Wagner might not be relied upon as a ballhandler as a lot.
Forward Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 decide in June’s draft, and Markelle Fultz, who returned from a torn left knee anterior cruciate ligament, probably will carry a major load.
That’s along with guards Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs — Orlando’s beginning backcourt for many of final season.
Wagner took steps ahead as an on-ball creator, particularly as a pull-up shooter, with the German males’s nationwide basketball staff in EuroBasket 2022. How a lot he’ll have the ability to present that development will rely on how he’s utilized by coach Jamahl Mosley with this staff.
Mosley thinks Wagner is flexible sufficient to be a major ballhandler and values his decision-making, each on and off the ball.
“It’s not necessarily the ballhandling, it’s more the decision-making,” Mosley stated on the Magic’s official podcast, Pod Squad. “You really feel snug with a man who could make selections. That’s what we’re asking all of our guys to do: How can they be higher decision-makers? When Franz first began summer time league it was ‘look at how well he cuts.’ That’s a decision-maker.
“That’s what we work on with all our guys, not just with the ball in my hands. Franz will have the ball in his hands some. If you’re out there with four other decision-makers, you’re looking at a pretty good team.”
2. Harris’ damage
Harris, who signed a 2-year, $26 million contract extension to return to Orlando earlier than free company formally began July 1, had arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 31 to carry out a meniscectomy in his left knee after tearing cartilage.
Tony Wanich, an orthopedic surgeon on the HSS Sports Medicine Institute, instructed the Orlando Sentinel an arthroscopic meniscectomy isn’t an invasive process and includes “removing the torn or unstable portion of the meniscus (or cartilage).”
Even with the Magic’s different guard/wing choices, Harris’ on-court contributions can be missed relying on how lengthy he’s sidelined.
He was one of many Magic’s most constant 3-and-D contributors in 2021-22, averaging 11.1 factors on 43.4% taking pictures from the sector and 38.4% taking pictures on 3s for a 53.9% efficient area purpose proportion — a formulation that adjusts for 3-pointers being value greater than 2-pointers.
“Typical rehab/recovery is about six weeks for a full return to activity,” Wanich added. “The good thing about meniscus surgery is it’s not a very invasive procedure. After surgery, patients are able to move around right away but they’re limited as far as running or jumping usually for that first six weeks.”
A 6-8 week restoration interval would give Harris a tentative return time-frame for mid-to-late October.
Orlando performs seven video games within the opening month, so Harris shouldn’t miss an excessive amount of of the season — if he misses any. He’ll probably be restricted for many of coaching camp, which begins Sept. 27.
“The first thing we focus on during that recovery process is getting back full range of motion,” Wanich stated of the restoration and rehab from an arthroscopic meniscectomy. “Any time you do any type of knee/joint surgical procedure, there’s a danger for scar tissue formation, which might result in lack of movement and stiffness within the knee. Focusing on ensuring they get well their vary of movement is essential.
“The other part is making sure the knee has enough time to adapt to this new situation. What I mean by that is you’ve got this knee where it’s lost a little bit of a cushion. Every time you do run and jump, there’s more impact that gets put on that bone. The body adapts to that, but this is why you’ve got to worry about rushing players back too quickly. If the bone doesn’t have enough time to adapt and adjust, that could delay the recovery because it’s putting too much impact on the bone.”
3. Crowded home
With the Magic drafting Banchero, re-signing Mo Bamba and Bol Bol and Jonathan Isaac’s anticipated return to the ground, it’ll be a battle for enjoying time within the frontcourt — particularly because the 4/energy ahead.
What’ll be the influence on the remainder of the roster?
Will Okeke, who’s primarily performed the 4, play extra as the three in lineups?
Will Ross, who’s coming into the final season of a 4-year, $54 million contract, play extra as the two/taking pictures guard after principally getting used as the three in 2021-22?
Where does Houstan, the No. 32 decide in June’s draft, match within the wing rotation, particularly after Harris returns?
The Magic have choices they’ll use camp to type by means of.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com