Orlando Magic Rookies Set to Make an Impact in Year One
Typically, rookies have a hard time making a positive impact for team’s in the NBA. Most don’t see an abundance of minutes or consistency, and when they do they’re typically allowed for developmental reps on bad teams.
But the Magic have had two-straight seasons of real impact from rookies in Franz Wagner in 2021-22 and Paolo Banchero in 2022-23. Now, they’re potentially set to see that streak stay alive with new draftees Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
Black and Howard were both lottery picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, drafted at No. 6 and 11 overall, respectively.
Black, a jumbo point guard hailing from Arkansas, has plus positional size, a savvy pick-and-roll game, elite passing chops and the perimeter defense to match.
Howard, at 6-foot-8, has elite shooting potential mixed with some potent overall offense and more work to do in plenty of areas.
Both, however, could see major minutes for Orlando this season. And even more, could make positive impacts.
Black is likely the team’s point guard of the future. Luckily for the team, they’ve got not only a serviceable one, but a solid one in Markelle Fultz right now. It’s unlikely he'll will be a starter out the gate. And that’s just fine for a guard needing to hone skills like scoring in general, shooting overall and the intricacies of guarding multiple positions in the NBA.
Still, Black is undoubtedly set to see positive contributions via his connective-style game: passing, playmaking and high-IQ basketball.
Howard is set to infuse the team with shooting, something it’s really lacked in the past few seasons.
The Magic have plenty of skilled players in need of minutes. But their two 2022 draftees are going to be high-priority come time for the regular season.
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