NBA Preseason Team Preview: Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero Aims to Lead Young Squad to Continued Growth and Eastern Conference Top Four Finish

The NBA preseason is about to kick off, and today we introduce you to the young Orlando Magic from the Eastern Conference.

Team Recap of Last Season

The Magic finished with a 47-35 record, placing fifth in the Eastern Conference and securing a direct playoff berth. In the first round of the playoffs, the Magic faced the Cavaliers in a hard-fought seven-game series, ultimately falling short in the decisive Game 7. Despite the disappointment, their strong performance throughout the season showcased the potential of this young team. The Magic boasted the third-best defensive efficiency in the league. On the offensive end, a lineup anchored by young players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner began to translate their talent into wins.

Offseason Moves

The Magic signed veteran forward Bradley Beal to a three-year, $66 million contract, marking their most significant veteran addition. Additionally, the team extended contracts with several key rotation players, including a five-year, $220 million extension for Franz Wagner, a five-year, $66 million deal for Jonathan Isaac, a three-year, $59 million contract for Wendell Carter Jr., and a two-year, $22 million extension for Moritz Wagner. Both Bitadze and Gary Harris also received favorable contract extensions. The Magic also selected the older rookie D’Angelo Silvano with the 18th pick, signaling their intent to compete now. However, the team did lose important players like Joe Ingles and Chuma Okeke, which is a loss for the squad.

Season Outlook

The Magic’s disappointing first-round exit last season and the subsequent long-term contracts signed during the offseason indicate that the team believes they are on the right path. The addition of Bradley Beal shows their commitment to surrounding their young core with elite veteran talent to facilitate their growth.

The current roster is primarily driven by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, supported by other young players. Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game last season, while Wagner contributed 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. The Magic can consistently field a strong presence on the court, which is their strength. However, the lack of a clear ceiling in their roster remains their biggest challenge. In last season’s Game 7, Donovan Mitchell had an outstanding performance, and the Magic lacked a player to step up. Addressing this issue will be crucial for the Magic.

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Bradley Beal, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs

Predicted Regular Season Ranking:

Eastern Conference 4-7