The Orlando Magic returned to the playoffs last season after a relatively fast rebuild, but the team lost in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The combination of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero didn’t seem ideal in the playoffs, but that may have been more to inexperience that fit.

The Magic, seemingly convinced, invested heavily into Wagner this summer (and is expected to max out Banchero next year). Unfortunately, Banchero got hurt (oblique muscle) after five games. Without him, Wagner has stepped into the leadership role. He hit a big game-winner on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers and has helped propel the Magic (15-7) to a six-game win streak and the No. 3 seed in the East.