The Orlando Magic are one of the biggest risers in the Eastern Conference. Once a team consistently picking towards the top of the draft order due to their poor records, they now are among the best teams in the East. Their recent success can be largely attributed to the strong play from their young stars.
God Shammgod, a newly hired assistant coach for Orlando, praised the development of players such as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
"Paolo and Franz and them, they're coming into their own right now," Shammgod told NBC Sports. "They're at the right age where they still young, but they, they young enough to dare. Dare to be great. And I, I believe like Paolo and Franz is going to be great, but Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, we got Tyus Jones. Now we got, we got so many great players. And they all right. And I feel like right now they all are ready to make their mark. So I'm just happy and honored to be a part of it."
Shammgod has seen a lot of good young players, especially throughout his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks as a notable player development coach. Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson and Kristaps Porzingis are just a few of the young talented players he worked with during his tenure.
Orlando is entering the season as one of the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals. After trading for Memphis Grizzlies star Desmond Bane in June, the team seems poised to pass their .500 record from last season. Both Banchero and Wagner missed significant time during the season with injuries but the team was able to squeak into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed before losing in the first round to the Boston Celtics. However, two seasons ago, the Magic earned the No. 5 seed but lost in a back-and-forth first round playoff matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Shammgod did not just limit his praises to the young players. He also applauded the work done by coach Jamahl Mosley, who he worked alongside in Dallas for multiple seasons.
"He's so about the work," Shammgod added. "You know what I'm saying? There's not too many people I could say, that's all about the work. Like, forget all the accolades, forget all that stuff. Like, he's all about the work and all about winning and all about pouring into the kids. And I think that's what me and him share in common the most."
With a core consisting of Banchero, Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black, many expect the Magic to be a force in the East.