Orlando Magic: 3 Starting Lineup Predictions for the 2022 Season

Potential Orlando Magic starting lineups

Defense Wins Championships

Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, R.J. Hampton, Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba

This one is probably the least likely to happen. But the message is clear: Defense, defense and more defense.

Both Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs are capable guard defenders who can even guard smaller wings at times. R.J. Hampton apparently grew to a whopping 6-foot-7 which would make him an athletic guard wing combo who in theory could turn into a good wing defender. But Hampton is rawer than proven, so time will tell on his defensive abilities, especially within the next year.

Jonathan Isaac is a no-brainer here. He is big, he is long and he plays excellent defense. There are questions about his availability heading into the season but he comes back healthy his presence is sure to be felt.

Depending on the matchup Jamahl Mosley may opt for Mohamed Bamba instead of Wendell Carter. Even in limited minutes, Bamba led the team with 3.9 blocks per 100 possessions, nearly 2.5 more blocks than Carter. Bamba also posted the team’s highest defensive rating at 109.

Bamba will need to prove to the coaching staff that he will be a capable and most importantly an effective option for the rotation and he may need to do so soon.

This year will be a year of growth and development. The Magic have a lot to work with and not a lot at stake. They perhaps have the most freedom that they’ve had in a long time. It remains to be seen how they capitalize on this freedom and if they are able to turn growth into wins.