Philip Rossman-Reich here, the host of the daily Locked On Magic podcast, with your daily Locked On Magic newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Magic and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Paolo Banchero will be a big boost to Jalen Suggs
Jan 5, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrate defeating the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports | Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic could feel the change in the building. Paolo Banchero participated in his first practice. A few hours later, the Magic upgraded his status to QUESTIONABLE for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shams Charania of ESPN reports the plan is for Banchero to play one of the two games in this back-to-back. But the point was made: Paolo Banchero is back for the Magic. It is just a matter of whether it will be Thursday or Friday.
The anticipation for Banchero’s return is palpable. The Magic believe they are
“It makes us so much more dangerous,” Goga Bitadze said. “He’s unstoppable. He’s so naturally physically gifted. When you add all the other basketball stuff, he’s un-guardable. All we have to work is when he gets double-teamed, where do we go in that space because we know nobody is stopping him one on one. To have him back is huge and is extra confidence and an energy boost.”
Bitadze said Banchero has an aura about him. There is an added level of confidence that comes from Banchero’s return. He was averaging 29.0 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game and 5.6 assists per game in the five games before his injury.
Two months is a long time though. Nobody is going to expect Banchero to step into that role immediately or put up those numbers immediately. Even a player like him will need some time to get into the flow.
But undoubtedly everyone is excited for his potential effects on the team. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is eager to the potential for more open shots with the gravity he creates with his passing and scoring. Defenses have to double him.
No player will probably gain more from Banchero’s return than Jalen Suggs.
Suggs has had a career season averaging 16.4 points per game. That is boosted in the past month when Suggs took on the role of the team’s primary scorer. He is averaging 18.6 points per game since Franz Wagner’s injury.
Suggs’ shot profile though has notably changed. He is averaging 6.9 3-point attempts per game and 2.7 catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts per game since Wagner’s injury. He is shooting 30.4 percent from three overall in that time.
In the five games Banchero played, Suggs shot 42.5 percent on 8.0 3-point attempts per game and made 53.1 percent of his 6.4 catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts per game.
That was just five games, too small of a sample size to make too many judgments. But that is a trend that everyone should be watching. Suggs will still be able to attack and apply what he has learned from the last month, but the Magic are also missing one of their best 3-point shooters because he has had to play this role.
Banchero will return his catch-and-shoot attempts. That is almost like getting a new player.
Other players are sure to have similar improvements when Banchero returns. That is the effect of the Magic’s star player.
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Roster Paolo Banchero was a full participant in the Orlando Magic’s practice, indicating his return is nearing. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero might have an even higher ceiling than initially expected, showing potential for significant growth. (Orlando Magic Daily)
Rumor A proposed three-team trade involving Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler could impact the Orlando Magic, according to Bleacher Report. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Timberwolves will take on the Magic at Amway Center at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Magic podcasts.
NBA East Squad: Can Defense Save the Orlando Magic Season? The Locked On NBA East Squad panel debates the Orlando Magic’s offensive woes, noting their league-worst three-point shooting percentage and discussing potential trade options to improve their offense without sacrificing their defensive identity. (470)
Orlando Magic hit a road block in their recovery in double OT loss to Miami Heat The Orlando Magic are feeling more whole with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner back and now Goga Bitadze back in the lineup. But after prolonged absences, they are all still working their way back into playing shape and regaining chemistry with their roster.
Orlando Magic’s Star Duo: Banchero and Wagner’s All-Star Potential The Orlando Magic’s stars in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner stepped up to lead the Magic to a win over the Detroit Pistons. They took over the game.
