The Orlando Magic have loads of questions getting into the 2022-23 season, which is able to tip off towards the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 19.
Their coaching camp, which begins in two weeks at their new state-of-the-art AdventHealth Coaching Heart, 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 probably 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.
Listed below are three storylines to observe as soon as camp begins:
1. Will Suggs’ capturing enhance?
Among the many 292 gamers who performed at the very least 20 video games and averaged at the very least 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 big energy of Suggs’ recreation as a rookie. However 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 identified however may’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 big enchancment from his season-long capturing.
Within 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 abilities he was seeking to enhance forward of his second season.
He is probably not relied upon as a ballhandler as a lot as final season.
Ahead Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 decide in June’s draft, and Fultz, who returned from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, will probably carry a big 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 significantly better outdoors shooter.
Whether or not he'll ought to turn out to be clearer quickly.
2. Hampton’s function
Among the many guards who had been in final 12 months’s rotation, Hampton’s function 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 tasks probably will take one other dip in 2022-23.
He already began to make the transition to a extra off-ball function 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 time league suggests an off-ball function 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 enjoying time amongst a guard room stocked with youthful gamers?
Final season’s outcomes confirmed it’s a chance.
3. Starters/rotation
Primarily based on how final season ended, Fultz is anticipated to occupy one of many beginning backcourt spots.
Regardless who begins subsequent to Fultz between Anthony and Suggs, each will likely be a big a part of the rotation.
Anthony, the No. 15 decide within the 2020 draft, was the workforce’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 abilities 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. However his standing for the season’s begin is unknown after having arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee after tearing his meniscus.
Will Harris’ harm open extra alternatives within the rotation for Hampton, at the very least in the course of the preseason and probably the regular-season’s begin?
In terms of the guards, Mosley has a whole lot of choices for the rotation. It’s as much as him, the teaching employees and gamers to determine that are the most effective.
This text first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. E mail Khobi Worth at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_pr
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