Orlando Magic: 4 key players off to a hot start this season

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 29: Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic holds Jalen Suggs #4 during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 29, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a three-point shot during the game against the New York Knicks (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Key players off to a hot start for the Orlando Magic this season: 4. Mo Bamba

The Mo Bamba breakout has been years in the making. The fourth-year center appears ready to finally make good on his 2018 lottery selection.

Bamba is already being entrusted with a bigger role than ever before, starting the first 12 games of the season, six more than he had cumulatively started in his first three years. What’s more, Bamba is averaging a career-high 11.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

He has also been one of the top swatters in the league. He’s averaging 2.2 blocks per game, good for fourth in the NBA. He’s on pace for almost 200 blocks this season, despite never recording even 100 for a full season yet.

One of the biggest improvements Bamba has made is shooting from 3-to-10 feet. While he only attempts 17.1 percent of his shots from that distance, he’s hitting 55.8 percent of them. He’s never hit more than 46 percent for a season and made less than 30 percent in each of his first two seasons.

The big man needs to be in better control of the ball, though. His 1.7 turnovers per game are the most of his career, and he’s already committed 12 bad passes, matching a season-high for him.

Despite this, Bamba is having the best year of his career so far, and the Magic hope he can keep it up and be a long-term part of their future.

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