Orlando Magic Season Preview
Re-signed: Goga Bitadze, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner
Additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (free agent), Cory Joseph (free agent)
Draft Pick: Tristan da Silva (No. 18 overall)
Departures: Joe Ingles (free agency)
Unsigned Free Agents: Markelle Fultz, Kevon Harris, Chuma Okeke, Admiral Schofield
Last Season Recap
The Orlando Magic took a significant step forward in 2023-24, winning 47 games and making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The team pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round, showing promise for the future. Paolo Banchero was the breakout star, leading the team with 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, proving to be one of the league’s top young players. Franz Wagner also emerged as a key contributor, adding 19.7 points per game, while Jalen Suggs showed his value as a defensive stopper in the backcourt.
The team’s upward trajectory has been driven by its focus on organic growth, with many players like Banchero and Wagner developing from within through smart drafting.
Summer Summary
This summer, the Magic focused on retaining their core, re-signing key players like the Wagner brothers and Jonathan Isaac. Isaac, though a mild surprise given his injury history, showed enough defensively to warrant his return. Orlando also added some much-needed shooting by signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who brings championship experience and a reliable three-point shot to a team that ranked last in the league in 3-pointers made last season. Cory Joseph was another veteran addition, providing additional guard depth and leadership.
While the Magic didn’t make any earth-shattering moves, the strategy was to maintain the team’s continuity, giving their young core another year to grow together.
Player Spotlight: Jalen Suggs
Jalen Suggs will be a player to watch this season, especially in his development as a floor general. The Magic still lack a true elite-level point guard, and Suggs has shown potential but has yet to fully step into that role. Much of the offense ran through Banchero last season, but if Suggs can improve his playmaking ability, it will allow Banchero to focus more on scoring and relieve some pressure off him as the primary facilitator.
Season Outlook
The Magic are a team on the rise, and if their young core continues to grow, they could be on the verge of a breakout season. With Banchero potentially pushing for All-NBA recognition and Franz Wagner continuing to develop into a go-to scorer, Orlando could easily surpass the 50-win mark this year.
The team’s playoff potential will depend on improving its 3-point shooting, establishing a consistent point guard presence, and holding a strong home-court advantage. Orlando’s front office wisely chose not to shake up the roster this offseason, allowing the current group time to further gel and see how high its ceiling can be.
If all goes well, the Magic could be one of the surprises in the Eastern Conference, poised to not only make the playoffs again but potentially make a deep postseason run.
