NBA Power Rankings 3: Giannis for MVP and bold predictions for every team

Preseason Record: 1-3

The Orlando Magic have two young centers from the class of 2018 that they are trying to develop into long-term rotation pieces. Mo Bamba was originally drafted by the Magic, but injuries and COVID have slowed his development. Wendell Carter Jr. was up-and-down in Chicago and available “on the cheap” for the Nikola Vucevic trade.

Both players made an impact in the preseason. Bamba led the league in blocks per game, swatting 3.8 shots per game. He added 11.5 points, seven rebounds and 41.7 percent shooting from 3-point range, all in just 20.8 minutes per game. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie joined the group predicting a breakout year for Bamba.

Some extra motivation for Bamba is the contract extension his direct competition for playing time received, a four-year, $50 million deal. Wendell Carter Jr. for his part scored 12.5 points per game in the preseason on a hyper-efficient 64.3 percent from the field, coincidentally the same amount (12.5) that he will average annually on his new deal.

The Magic hope one or both of these centers takes a major step forward, and they can either cement their center rotation or flip one for other assets down the line.

Bold Prediction: Jalen Suggs wins Rookie of the Year. The former Gonzaga point guard has had a shaky preseason, averaging just five points per game. Yet the Magic are going to provide him a full diet of shots, especially with Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac missing the start of the season. His work ethic and scoring skill, along with the volume he will have, will elevate him to a Rookie of the Year candidate. A few highlight plays or big shots will cement his place.