Hoops Habit
Fansided

Orlando Magic: 3 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Orlando Magic interim head coach Tyrone Corbin coaches his team against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Orlando Magic interim head coach Tyrone Corbin coaches his team against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

2. Chuma Okeke to win Most Improved Player

It seems like a massive stretch but stay with us on this one. Suggs to win the Rookie of the Year award is something we have already examined before, and if it was to happen while it would be surprising, it wouldn’t be the most outrageous result of all time. Already Suggs appears to have that it factor, and he’ll get all the chances to lay claim to that award.

Okeke is still a relatively unknown prospect outside of Orlando, and national recognition is going to be hard to come by this year as well. But when he played last year (after missing his rookie season with a torn ACL), there was a smoothness and fluidity to his game that we have not seen on the Magic’s team for a long time.

Okeke is of a similar build to Aaron Gordon, a big man on the wing, although he is not nearly as athletic. Instead, offensively he is capable of scoring in a manner of different ways that only looks like it is going to improve. Defensively he is far from a slouch, although playing well on that end doesn’t typically lend itself to winning this award unless it is part of an overall massive improvement on both ends of the court.

Much of the NBA is narrative-driven, and there are going to be plenty of other guys who get more spotlight who could then go on to win this award. Lonzo Ball is one such example, and after changing scenery and landing with the Chicago Bulls the stage is set for him to help that franchise beyond their modest expectations.

Okeke managed only 7.8 points per game in 45 contests (19 starts) last season. But a lot of those games were played alongside an older core that was trying to win. You can bet coach Mosley is going to try and find out how Okeke can help this team, and call his number offensively far more than he has ever seen as a professional.

Shooting a shade under 35 percent from deep last year is promising, and it would be no surprise if Okeke nearly doubled his output in scoring. This award is about far more than that of course, but putting the ball through the net translates with casual fans and media types alike in a way that nothing else does.

This truly is a bold prediction, crazy even, but if the Magic are better than everybody expects them to be, and Okeke is a key reason for that, then why couldn’t he make a run at winning this award? He possesses a way of playing that nobody else on the roster does, and could be the crucial link between an enthusiastic backcourt and a big man rotation that is trying to find its way.

Home/Orlando Magic