Even with Jaylen, Kanter and Tatum out, Kemba still probably played with a few teammates (Hayward, Smart) who were better than anyone he had on his Hornets teams. Maybe prime-Batum, prime-Jefferson and Howard are up there.
No question Kemba's 1st half was massive and helped us stay in it to win, but I bet he was also a bit relieved he didn't have to go scorched earth in the 2nd half as Hayward, Theis and others stepped up big time too lol. In his Hornets days, Kemba would have games where he put up 55+ but they'd lose because literally the rest of his starters would combine to only score like 15 points (not kidding - look up the Sixers-Hornets game with Kemba scoring 60 in an OT loss)
Or this:
This might truly be the best team Kemba has been on in his career. Hope he's enjoying Boston too.
That was my same thoughts exactly. Yes, Magic is a playoff team coming in at 21-25, you can't underestimate every team, but Hayward is playing at a perennial All-Star level, and our coaching/talent level may slightly edge the Magic.
I do like their young core in Fultz, Bamba, Isaac, and not going to lie Aaron Gordon had his moments. He actually seems like he sharpened his ball handling a lot more, if he can obtain a consistent shot, watch out? I wonder what they'll do with Vuvecic?
I really wish the Magic kept Oladipo, it would've been fun to see how that team would've looked like by now.
Walker probably doesn't have to do that much anymore, and it must be a huge relief to him.