NBA Power Rankings: Way too early pre-season predictions

Jun 19, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

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38. . . . Orlando Magic. 29. team

Added: Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Robin Lopez

Lost: Dwayne Bacon, Otto Porter, Jr. James Ennis III

Negative: the Orlando Magic are going to be a bad basketball team. Positive: the Orlando Magic finally chose a path that was not pursuing mediocrity for a first-round playoff drubbing. Fans of the team have to be thrilled that with direction came the drafting of Jalen Suggs. After being in the conversation for the top overall pick for much of the season, snagging the Gonzaga guard with the fifth pick was a boon for the franchise.

Suggs has the most star pedigree of any Magic player since Dwight Howard. He comes in as a proven winner and culture changer. Combined with his elite gifts on both sides of the ball, there are clear reasons for optimism. The roster fit is still suspect; the Magic are still employing Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton and Michael Carter-Williams. Fultz should be back from injury at some point his season and may end up as the odd man out. He and Jonathan Isaac are the last remaining members of the former young core. If either could stay healthy they represent solid value for a team playing for ping pong balls.

Fear not, Magic fans. Suggs (and to a lesser extent Franz Wagner) is the type of player that will change the feeling of the franchise as more talent is incorporated around him. With a little lottery luck next season, the time at the bottom of the standings should be short-lived.