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5 Orlando Magic players who could shock the world this season

By Tyler Watts

Orlando Magic, Paolo Banchero. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Magic, Paolo Banchero. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic are looking to build off last season. Paolo Banchero won Rookie of the Year as the team went from 22 to 34 victories, the biggest jump in the Eastern Conference.

They were still seven games out of the Play-In Tournament, but it was a positive step for a franchise that has reached the playoffs just twice since 2012.

Orlando added two more lottery picks this summer, which created rotation questions to answer during training camp.

The Orlando Magic have postseason ambitions this year. To get there, they are going to need several players on their roster to have breakout seasons and outperform expectations.

The Magic want to jump into the playoffs, but they are not quite ready. ESPN predicted they would grab the final Play-In Tournament spot (subscription required) and must win two straight games to reach the first round. It is a tall task for a young and inexperienced group, which is why the Magic must aim higher.

If they plan on making the playoffs, Orlando will need multiple breakout seasons, but who on their roster is ready to improve?

Orlando Magic players who could shock the world this season

5. Jett Howard

The Orlando Magic were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA last season. They finished 27th in threes attempted, 25th in 3-pointers made and 24th in 3-point percentage.

Orlando desperately needed to improve their shooting and floor spacing this summer. Their answer was drafting Jett Howard 11th overall and signing Joe Ingles.

The veteran cannot play more than 25 minutes per game consistently at this stage of his career. The rookie is the son of longtime NBA veteran and current Michigan head coach Juwan Howard.

Howard shot 36.8 percent from 3-point range in college playing in a pro-style offense and flying around screens.

Fans are likely not expecting much from the teenage rookie, but he shockingly could be on the fringes of the Rookie of the Year conversation because he is an NBA-ready shooter who fills a need for the Orlando Magic.