NBA Power Rankings Week 1: Lakers woes and other first impressions

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Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic. Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images /

30. team. 38. . 0-2. Previous: 30th. Orlando Magic

Last Week: (L) to SAS, (L) to NYK

The Orlando Magic are rebuilding, and their goal this year is development, not wins. Losing their first two games is part of the plan, not a letdown from their goals. The major question is whether their young players are showing signs of life, and they certainly are.

We’ll discuss Mo Bamba below, but Wendell Carter Jr. has started alongside Bamba in a supersized frontcourt and averaged 11.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Franz Wagner has shot 57.1 percent from every level and averaged 14 points per game. R.J. Hampton has shot it well. Jalen Suggs has had a rough start shooting but has contributed in other ways.

First Impression: Mo Bamba looks really good. Prior to the extension deadline, the Orlando Magic signed their newly acquired young center Wendell Carter Jr. to a solid rookie contract extension. In the early going it has been their other center balling out, however, leading the team in scoring with 16.5 points per game.

Bamba has looked the most fluid and energetic he has in years, if not his entire career. There’s no question he’s scoring more confidently than ever before, and especially from outside. He has already hit six 3-pointers in just two games. A player averaging three each of triples and blocks is a player this league has never seen before. Those insane numbers won’t last, but if this confident, active Bamba can stick around the Magic could have a breakout star on their hands.