Paolo Banchero
The free throw rate is quite extraordinary for a 20-year-old rookie (was 19 at start of season). Right now, Banchero is averaging 8.5 foul shots per contest. Only 19 rookies in NBA history averaged eight or more. But the only one who’s done it since 1994 is Blake Griffin in 2010-11. Shaquille O’Neal did it with the Magic in 1992-93 (in case you were wondering if any Magic rookie has ever done it).
Franz Wagner
Manu Ginobili 2.0? And Wagner, just 21, is four inches taller than the former Spurs great. Wagner weaves in and around traffic perhaps better than anyone else in the league today. There isn’t an angle he can’t make a driving shot from. His patience is key, too. The German forward’s 112 made driving shots so far this season ranks sixth. The only players who have made more so far are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, and Ja Morant.
Markelle Fultz
Just a really good game manager. He’s one of the best drive-and-kick guards in the league, which is why since his return on Nov. 30 from a toe injury the Magic rank in the top eight in kickout 3-point attempts. He takes care of the ball and he’s a terrific pull-up mid-range shooter. From 15 to 19 feet out, he’s made nine of his 16 attempts this season (56.3 percent).
Mo Bamba
It’s going under the radar a bit, but Bamba is close to having a 50/40 season. He’s shooting exactly 50 percent overall and 39.1 percent from 3-point range. Among all centers who have taken at least 60 threes, that’s the fourth-best percentage. Above him on that list are Al Horford, Myles Turner, and Brook Lopez.
Wendell Carter Jr.
A jack-of-all-trades on offense, but his ability to move his feet on the perimeter on defense is probably his biggest strength. Just some stats to note: In pick-and-rolls in which Carter switched onto the ball handler, Luka Doncic made just two of his nine shots; Trae Young missed both of his shots; as did Devin Booker; and LaMelo Ball made just one of his three attempts (all 3-point shots). On nearly all of those shots, Carter kept the opponent in front of him.
Moe Wagner
All-out hustle, mixed with some crafty play and solid outside shooting. During this current five-game winning streak, Moe Wagner leads the team in deflections, charges drawn, and is tied with Fultz in defensive loose balls recovered.
Jalen Suggs
Probably the Magic’s best point-of-attack defender. That football mentality shows in all aspects of his game. Interesting is the disparity between his shooting off the catch versus his pull-up jump shooting. He has the team’s worst catch-and-shoot percentage at 22.5 percent, but the team’s best pull-up percentage at 47 percent.
Cole Anthony
A great tough-shot maker. He has a knack for getting to his sweet spots no matter how tight the defense is. Like Suggs, Anthony is much better shooting off the dribble than he is off the catch.
R.J. Hampton
At his best when he’s able to get out into the open floor and use his blazing speed. He brings great energy and is playing far more under control than last season.
Chuma Okeke
If the Magic gave out game balls after wins, Okeke would have probably earned it after the victories over Dallas and Phoenix earlier this season. His defense on Doncic and Booker was great. While always a team effort, Okeke played a big part in Doncic shooting 9-of-29 from the field and Booker shooting 6-of-19.
Bol Bol
His movements and shooting touch are just simply unique for someone his height. He’s had some jaw-dropping moments this season, including in the Magic’s recent win over the Hawks when he spun on De’Andre Hunter and then proceeded to use a step-through for his coast-to-coast two-handed dunk.
Terrence Ross
He’s been hot and cold from 3-point range throughout the season, but the attention he commands on the perimeter opens opportunities for his teammates.
Gary Harris
There’s not much to really take away from six games, but the fact of the matter is Harris has the team’s best 3-point percentage (43.5 percent).
Caleb Houstan
Not sure what it all means, but it’s worth noting that in the Magic’s wins in which he played, Houstan was a plus-30. The Golden State (plus-11) and Dallas (plus-10) wins stand out the most.
Admiral Schofield
He’s super physical and unafraid to sacrifice his body. He’s tied with Moe Wagner for the most charges drawn on the team with four of them.
Kevon Harris
A true “bell play” specialist. He dives on the floor for loose balls, deflects passes, and throws his body into the paint to try to generate second chance scoring opportunities.