Orlando Magic: Future outlook for every acquired asset at NBA trade deadline

The Centers

Wendell Carter has fit in seamlessly in Orlando since his arrival after the Nikola Vucevic trade. He has been reliable both offensively and defensively, contributing a solid 12.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The numbers are not huge or flashy, but he has been consistent and does not make a lot of mistakes.

Mohamed Bamba struggled to get minutes in the first half of the season, but since Nikola Vucevic and Khem Birch’s departure, he is solidly played the backup role. His game has not been the prettiest all the time, but Magic fans have been able to see tangible growth over the past month or so.

The brightest part of Bamba’s game is his offensive ability. He can stretch the floor and his baby hook Vucevic impersonation seems to be improving. Since the trade deadline, Bamba is averaging 12.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, and he has set some new career-highs along the way.

Bamba would still say he needs to improve defensively and even this recognition is a sign of growth for him as he enters the offseason.

While his confidence may be improving on the offensive end, his defensive limitations still present some glaring problems and need for improvement, despite some impressive blocked shots.

Carter and Bamba may have seemed like a problem the Magic didn’t want to have, but in reality, the two centers play pretty well in a rotation together. Whether both of them can be on the same team for the long term is a much bigger question, however.

Having a plethora of good young players is a blessing and a curse. It is not a far-fetched idea that Orlando enters the 2022 season with nine players under the age of 23 on the roster.

For this rebuild to be quick, and ultimately worth it in the end, the Magic will need to be patient and diligent in developing their young players.