Magic Starting 5: Paolo Banchero OUT for FIBA World Cup?

The Magic Insider lists five of the biggest NBA storylines in addition to relevant Orlando Magic news and analysis.

Jeremy Brener | May 5, 2023

Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

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Orlando Magic

“We are currently on stand-by, and if I’m being honest, I feel more pessimistic than optimistic. Banchero has been overwhelmed by events in recent months," federation president Gianni Petrucci said. "If he won’t be with us for the World Cup, we now hope for the Paris Olympics.”

2. GARY HARRIS EMBRACING LEADERSHIP ROLE

"When things get tough as a team we look inward," Harris said. "We look at ourselves, we look at how we can help each other out and how we can continue to keep pushing through.

"Staying the course and be present because there's gonna be ups and downs, highs and lows, but as long as you continue to just stick to your core principles, you're always gonna end up on the other side."

3. MAGIC 'SETTLED' WITH WCJ

"The Magic seem more settled any time Carter is on the floor, especially on defense," The Ringer writes. "He’s a stout interior defender who moves fluidly in tight spaces, with long arms and a solid frame that make him an enforcing rim protector in drop coverages or in help. Those same qualities make him a strong post defender too, and in recent years he’s played some of the best defense of anyone against the likes of Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid."

4. FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m. EST, ESPN (Series tied 1-1)

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns, 10 p.m. EST, ESPN (Nuggets lead 2-0)

5. NBA DRAFT LOTTERY COUNTDOWN

The Magic is 11 days away from the NBA Draft Lottery, where it will be revealed if Orlando will have the opportunity to take Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick.

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Published May 5, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.