Magic Notes: Banchero, Mosley, Anthony, KCP

magic Star forward Paolo Banchero will be sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a torn right oblique muscle. Head coach Jamahl Mosley was understandably disappointed by the news, but also said it was an opportunity for other players, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

“It sucks. There is no other way to put itsaid Mosley. “It sucks for him, the way he started this year, the way he played, the way he carries us in so many ways. And in the same breath you have to say that it's an opportunity – a chance for the boys to improve, to slip into their role, a chance for the boys to continue playing at our level of basketball.”

Orlando announced that Banchero will be reevaluated in four to six weeks. The former No. 1 overall pick hopes he returns sooner rather than later, Reynolds added.

“Hopefully it won't be an injury lasting several, three, four monthssaid Banchero. “Hopefully it's only six weeks. I just try to keep myself as committed as I can and stay positive, take it one day at a time and be ready to come back.”

Here's more about the magic:

• Since Banchero is such a big part of Orlando's offense, especially in the halfcourt, The Athletic's Josh Robbins suggests the team could look to pick up the tempo a bit while he's sidelined. Franz Wagner And Jalen suggests are obvious candidates for more playmaking duties, but several players need to step up offensively, Robbins notes.
• Reserve guard Cole Anthonywho played in 81 games last season, received a rare DNP CD in Wednesday's loss to Chicago. According to Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel, the reason he didn't play was simple. “I mean, I played like (expletive).Anthony said. “There's actually not that much to it.” In four games this season, Anthony averaged just 2.0 PPG while shooting 3-of-16 from the floor (18.8%) for 14.0 MPG. The 24-year-old said Mosley informed him of the decision before the game and although it wasn't an easy conversation, he said he had a great relationship with his coach. “I'll keep working… and at some point I hope I get a chance out thereAnthony said, according to Beede. “I will be ready to mature.”
• Veteran Wing Kentavious Caldwell Pope Andscape's Marc J. Spears said it was a difficult decision to leave Nuggets in free agency, but he has no regrets about signing a three-year, $66 million deal with the Magic. “It was hard. We gave them the chance, but things happensaid Caldwell-Pope. “I let my agent, Rich Paultake care of it. But my agent always told me, “This is a business at the end of the day.” I have to figure out what makes me happy, what works best for me and my family… I've been part of the first (Nuggets title) for almost 40 years. Of course, everyone who was on this team this year will be part of this championship that will go down in history. It's just always a blessing and I'm grateful to be part of something like that and play a big role in it.”