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5 non-Orlando Magic storylines to watch during the 2023 season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Wendell Carter has established himself as a consistent force for an Orlando Magic team finding its identity. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Wendell Carter has established himself as a consistent force for an Orlando Magic team finding its identity. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Steven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies
Paolo Banchero had a mixed preseason debut as the Orlando Magic felt their way through the opening game. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

5 non-Orlando Magic storylines to watch

Rookie of the Year Race

Wednesday night became a night for the rookies.

And while Paolo Banchero remains the betting favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award. But he is going to have some intense competition. That much should be very clear at this point.

Banchero scored 27 points, the most by a rookie in his debut since Allen Iverson in 1997. Banchero was doing things in his rookie debut that only the elite players seem to touch. That was something special.

But he was not alone.

In the Orlando Magic’s game against the Detroit Pistons, Jaden Ivey was impressive with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting and four assists. Ivey’s speed was impressive and he seemed to fit the Pistons’ offense as they tried to speed up their game.

Jalen Duren also had a stellar game for the Pistons. He scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, including five offensive rebounds. He made a major impact in the Pistons’ win, lifting them to the win thanks to some timely boards and putbacks late in the game.

The game on Wednesday night was very much about the rookies.

But they were not alone.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 19 points for the Indiana Pacers. Jabari Smith scored 17 points, albeit on 6-for-17 shooting, for the Houston Rockets. Shaedon Sharpe has 12 points, making three 3-pointers for the Portland Trail Blazers. Walker Kessler also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Utah Jazz’s upset over the Denver Nuggets.

Banchero is still likely the rookie of the year favorite. Even after one game.

But there are definitely some serious contenders for his spot as the favorite.

Smith proved to be a versatile defender for the Rockets. Mathurin too was expected to be an excellent scorer and gave the Pacers that in his debut.

But this draft class is already proving to be better than everyone anticipated. At least for one game.