The Orlando Magic's X-Factor Heading Into the Season

News ArticlePublishedJul 31, 2026 at 04:50 PM EDTupdatedJul 31, 2026 at 04:51 PM EDTEvery team has one player who holds the keys to a season but doesn't always get the spotlight. For the Orlando Magic, it's Anthony Black.That's saying something on a roster built around stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Those two are going to get their numbers. They're the foundation. Black is the player who can raise Orlando's ceiling.His sophomore leap made that much clear. After entering the league as a defense-first guard, Black blossomed into a legitimate offensive threat, averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The confidence was obvious. So was the patience. He stopped looking like a young player trying not to make mistakes and started playing like someone who expected