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The Orlando Magic have had an up-and-down start to the season, currently sitting at 2-3 after five games. They managed to end their three-game road trip on a high note with a win in Toronto on Friday. With such a small sample size, it's time to evaluate each player's performance and assign grades.
Starting Lineup
Jalen Suggs: Suggs appeared in only the first three games and struggled early. While he showed flashes of disruptive defense, he made just one of his nine 3-point attempts and shot 35.7% from the field. Grade: D
Desmond Bane: The seven-year veteran started poorly from beyond the arc, making only 4 of 19 3-pointers in his first two games. However, he found his groove, highlighted by a season-high 28-point outing with six 3-pointers in Friday's 121-114 win over Toronto. With Suggs and Banchero sidelined, Orlando will rely on Bane for consistent scoring. Grade: B-
Franz Wagner: Apart from one subpar game against the Raptors on Wednesday, Wagner has played outstanding basketball, with his 3-point shooting being the only blemish. He has displayed excellent court vision and craftiness inside the arc, and his rhythm as a primary playmaker has been promising. Grade: A
Paolo Banchero: Banchero was arguably the Magic's best player through two games, though his grade is incomplete due to a limited sample of about 1.5 games. Before his injury, he was off to a strong start. Grade: Incomplete (but A)
Wendell Carter Jr.: Carter has scored 20 points three times in five games, already matching his total of 20-point games from last season (five in 78 games). He has also been the team's most impactful rebounder, though the team as a whole needs to improve on the boards. Grade: B+
Top Reserves
Anthony Black: After missing all of preseason and the first two games, Black has seamlessly integrated into the lineup. In three games, he has averaged 14.3 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 53.1% from the field and 57.1% from 3-point range (8-14). If he maintains this level, he could earn a significant payday this summer. Grade: A-
Tristan da Silva: Head coach Sean Sweeney has given da Silva the green light, and the third-year forward has responded by attempting over 70% of his shots from deep and converting 47.1% of his 3-pointers. He understands his role and has excelled in it. Grade: B+
Jamal Cain: Cain's performances have been inconsistent, but he was perfect from the field (5-of-5) with 13 points in Friday's win. His energy as a defender and rebounder is valuable, and continued improvement as a floor spacer is hoped for. Grade: C
Jase Richardson: Richardson's stats (5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds) don't jump off the page, but he has made a quiet impact as a spot-up shooter and connector. He is shooting 45.5% from 3-point range on 4.1 attempts per 75 possessions and competes defensively at the point of attack. Grade: B-
Everyone Else
Nikola Vucevic: D
Goga Bitadze: D
Jevon Carter: F
Alex Morales: Incomplete