The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.

**Orlando Magic (ORL)**

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**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 25-23

Last 10: 4-6

Record Against top ten teams: 7-11

Preseason Expected Wins: 35.5

Current Pace: 43-39

Power Ranking Tier: Hit or Miss (C)

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**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 112.5 (24th)

Defensive Rating: 111.6 (5th)

Net Rating: 0.9 (14th)

Pace: 98.7 (21st)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

3: J. Isaac – M. Wagner – C. Anthony

(3): F. Wagner – J. Suggs – P. Banchero

Net Rating: 16.5

(Net Rating): -1.6

Minutes played(672): 262

4: J. Isaac – M. Wagner – C. Anthony – F. Wagner

(4): G. Bitadze – F. Wagner – J. Suggs – P. Banchero

Net Rating: 19.0

(Net Rating): 0.1

Minutes Played(355): 154

5: M. Fultz – W. Carter Jr. – F. Wagner – J. Suggs – P. Banchero

(5): G. Bitadze – F. Wagner – J. Suggs – P. Banchero – A. Black

Net Rating: 8.6

(Net Rating): 6.0

Minutes Played(254): 118

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**Three best players:**

Paolo Banchero:

23 Points/ 7 Rebounds/ 5 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 49.5% 3pt%: 35.8% Ft%: 69.6%

In his sophomore season, Paolo Banchero continues to etch his mark on the Orlando Magic with a compelling blend of scoring versatility and playmaking prowess. As a central figure in the team’s offensive framework, Banchero’s ability to navigate defenses and create scoring opportunities showcases a maturity beyond his years. His adeptness in the midrange area, coupled with a respectable three-point performance, presents him as a multifaceted threat capable of stretching defenses and opening up the floor. Banchero’s role extends beyond scoring; his vision and playmaking contribute significantly to the team’s offensive rhythm, though his journey to refining his decision-making is evident in the balancing act between aggressive plays and turnovers. Defensively, while still honing his skills, he demonstrates potential, marked by an ability to contest shots and contribute in the paint. Banchero’s sophomore year narrative is one of progression and promise, blending scoring efficiency, playmaking acuity, and budding defensive capabilities, marking him as a cornerstone in the Magic’s pursuit of growth and success.

Franz Wagner:

20 Points/ 6 Rebounds/ 4 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 53.5% 3pt%: 31.3% Ft%: 85.5%

Franz Wagner’s presence in the Orlando Magic lineup embodies the archetype of a well-rounded contributor, blending scoring efficiency, defensive tenacity, and playmaking acumen. As a versatile forward, Wagner’s scoring touch is notably proficient, particularly in the paint and midrange, where he capitalizes on his size and agility to outmaneuver opponents. Despite a dip in three-point efficiency, his capability to stretch the floor and keep defenses honest remains an integral part of his game. His playmaking is characterized by an intuitive understanding of the court, often setting up teammates for high-percentage shots, a skill underscored by his commendable assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Wagner demonstrates a robust approach, actively contesting shots and maintaining a solid defensive presence, contributing significantly to the Magic’s efforts on that end of the floor. His free-throw accuracy further accentuates his scoring reliability, especially in clutch situations. Overall, Wagner’s blend of scoring versatility, defensive commitment, and playmaking intelligence marks him as an invaluable asset to the Magic, offering a beacon of consistency and potential in their evolving lineup.

Jalen Suggs:

12 Points/ 3 Rebounds/ 2 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 52.2% 3pt%: 38.3% Ft%: 77.3%

Jalen Suggs distinguishes himself on the Orlando Magic’s roster with an unmistakable intensity and relentless motor, reminiscent of the gritty basketball era of the early 2000s. On the court, his energy is palpable; he approaches each play with a tenacity that fuels his aggressive defensive stance. Suggs’ style is defined by his physicality, often engaging in intense matchups and fearlessly challenging his opponents. This assertive approach not only disrupts the rhythm of opposing players but also injects a dynamic vigor into the Magic’s defensive scheme. Offensively, his aggressive mindset translates into a determined drive towards the rim and a willingness to take on contact, underscoring his proficiency in scoring under pressure. His improved shooting from the perimeter adds a strategic layer to his offensive game, while his relentless pursuit of scoring opportunities reflects his commitment to impacting the game on multiple fronts. As Suggs continues to channel his robust energy and physical approach to the game, his role as a catalyst for the Magic’s performance becomes increasingly evident, highlighting his potential to mold the team’s identity with his unique blend of intensity and skill.

Strengths:

The Orlando Magic’s season shines a spotlight on their robust defensive structure and a promising young core that brings a fresh energy to their gameplay. Defensively, the team stands out with a commendable rating, effectively limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities and showcasing a strategic prowess in disrupting plays. The synergy between their aggressive perimeter defense and solid interior presence makes the Magic a formidable force, capable of applying consistent pressure and controlling the defensive pace of the game. This defensive tenacity is complemented by a young, dynamic roster, led by talents like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, each contributing to a vibrant and spirited style of play. Their collective ability to drive to the rim, coupled with an impressive share of rim/FTA opportunities, underscores the team’s aggressive approach and physicality. As they continue to leverage their defensive strengths and nurture their young talents, the Magic position themselves as a team with the potential for significant growth and an exciting future in the league.

Weaknesses:

Despite their defensive prowess, the Orlando Magic grapple with offensive challenges that hinder their overall performance. The team struggles with shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, which impacts their ability to stretch the floor and create a balanced offensive threat. This shooting struggle is further reflected in their offensive rating, which ranks low, indicating room for improvement in scoring consistency and execution. Additionally, the Magic’s half-court and pick-and-roll game present hurdles in maintaining a fluid offensive rhythm, resulting in a lower points per possession in these scenarios. The team’s high turnover rate disrupts their offensive flow, undermining their scoring potential and granting opponents pivotal counterattacking opportunities. To navigate these challenges and fully harness their potential, the Magic must address their shooting inefficiencies, enhance their offensive playbook’s versatility, and find a more cohesive rhythm that aligns with their pace of play. As they move forward, embracing these adjustments could solidify their path to becoming a more well-rounded and competitive team in the league.

Fun rating 2/6:

The Magic, boasting a talented young roster and a commendable defensive strategy, have constructed a solid team foundation. However, their temperate pace, gritty defense, and frequent trips at the line, though effective, contribute to a gameplay experience that some may find less engaging.

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**The Future:**

Importance of season 2/5:

The Magic are well-positioned for the future, with an abundance of young talent secured under rookie contracts, substantial draft capital, and ample cap space. This advantageous situation provides flexibility, allowing them to either patiently foster the development of their core trio or strategically position themselves to acquire the next disgruntled star.

Potential trades:

Trade 1: Go for contention by trading for Donovan Mitchell. Its an open secret that Mitchell most likely will not be spending his future in Cleveland. The Magic struggles offensively highlight the need for a premiere shooter and shot creator. The Magic would have to give up a package of something like Johnathan Issac, Markelle Fultz, and somewhere in the range of 3-4 1st Rounders. Additionally Mitchell would have to be given a supermax.

Otherwise the Magic should stay somewhat put and see how they fair in the playoffs or play-in before giving up substantial draft capital. Players like Zach LaVine should not be traded for.

Upcoming Draft situation: Their 1st Rounder, and their 2nd Rounder

Projected Tax Space: 66.8 Million

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**TLDR:**

Summary:

The Orlando Magic’s current season embodies a blend of growth and challenge, with a roster rich in young talent and a defensive approach that marks them as a team to watch. Anchored by the emerging prowess of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, the Magic have crafted a narrative of potential and vigor. Banchero’s offensive versatility and Wagner’s all-around skill set have become cornerstones of the team’s strategy, while Suggs’ aggressive defensive play infuses the lineup with a spirited dynamism. However, the Magic face hurdles in offensive consistency, particularly in their shooting from distance, which has led to a fluctuating rhythm in their scoring execution. As the team navigates through these challenges, their approach to the upcoming draft and the strategic use of their cap space will be pivotal. With the potential to either cultivate their budding talents or make a decisive move in the trade market, the Magic’s trajectory is a compelling narrative of a team on the cusp of shaping its identity in the league. The current season, therefore, stands not just as a measure of present success but as a crucial phase in the team’s journey towards establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the NBA.

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**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

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**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

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I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

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This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

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**What I am looking for**

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**Storylines/notable events:**

A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

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**Random interesting stats:**

These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

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**Memes:**

These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

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**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look like, and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. Also to talk about what schemes each teams run and when. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

by DeficientFooting