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Orlando Magic: 3 Starting Lineup Predictions for the 2022 Season

By Isaac Ryu

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 09: Jalen Suggs #4 and Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic talk on the court during a break in their game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Magic defeated the Warriors 91-89 in overtime. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 09: Jalen Suggs #4 and Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic talk on the court during a break in their game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Magic defeated the Warriors 91-89 in overtime. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Potential Orlando Magic starting lineups

Three-Guard Lineup

Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter

There is no question Jamahl Mosley will look to tinker with three-guard lineups this season. It is just a matter of who the third guard is.

Going down the list: Michael Carter-Williams will most likely come off the bench unless his massive gains have somehow empowered him to become the ultimate combo guard he was destined to become. That leaves Cole Anthony and R.J. Hampton.

Perhaps it would be better to compare the two as black and white as possible.

Anthony is smaller, worse at defense but is a better shooter and passer. Hampton is bigger, better at defense but is a worse shooter and is getting better at passing.

One thing they share in common however is they are both young and unproven. Patience and time are the name of the game for these two and the Magic certainly can spare both this season.

While both bring something different to the table, I would lean toward Anthony getting the nod. This may change if Hampton wows and shows immense growth and improvement, especially as a shooter.

Similar to the “original” three-guard lineup that consisted of Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder with the Oklahoma City Thunder, all three guards need to be able to play make and shoot to a certain extent. Anthony is a better playmaker especially in the half-court and is a better shooter thus making this lineup more potent than with Hampton.

It is my guess this lineup would be more situational rather than a consistent go-to lineup. But it would not hurt to run Fultz, Suggs and Anthony or Hampton together.