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5 things the Orlando Magic still have to play for

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic can no longer make the postseason. But they still have things to accomplish. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic can no longer make the postseason. But they still have things to accomplish. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 16: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 16: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

5 things the Orlando Magic still have to play for

A duo scoring 20.0 PPG

Scoring 20.0 points per game for a season in an Orlando Magic uniform has been essentially reserved for the best players in franchise history. And it has been a rarer occurrence than you would think, especially from perimeter players.

So this next one is a bigger longshot, but still also a symbol of the Magic’s growth and development.

The Magic have not had a duo score 20.0 points per game each in a season since Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway. In fairness, there were a few close calls with Jameer Nelson averaging 19.9 points per game before his injury in 2009 (Dwight Howard was easily better than 20.0 points per game). Hedo Turkoglu hit 19.5 points per game in 2008.

In the revved-up offensive era the current Magic are playing in, this is something that the team should accomplish and almost a requirement to contention. At some point, the Magic will have two 20-points-per-game scorers. They already seemingly have one in place.

So what will it take to get Franz Wagner there?

In two words: A lot.

Wagner is averaging 18.8 points per game for the season. For him to reach 19.95 points per game (and the rounding-up rule), he would need to score 113 points if he plays one game, 133 points if he plays two games and 153 points if he plays all three games.

For Wagner to reach 20 points per game this season, he would need to play all three games and average 51.0 points per game.

The odds of that happening are very slim. That just is not Wagner’s game. So this goal will have to wait one more year.

But Wagner is finishing his season really well. He is averaging 19.1 points per game and shooting 48.9 percent from the floor, 34.2 percent from three and 84.0 percent from the foul line in his last 15 games. He has 4.5 assists per game for good measure.

Wagner has had a very good season where he has improved in virtually every area from his stellar rookie year. It is not hard to see him taking another leap in his efficiency and shot-making to hit 20 points per game and give the Magic a real dynamic scoring duo in the very near future.