The NBA season kicks off on October 21, and with it comes the annual tradition of 30 previews in 30 days. As always, we will delve into each team in the league: summer moves, rosters, projections, and predictions. Today’s focus is on the Orlando Magic.
Last Season’s Performance
- The Orlando Magic’s 2024-25 Record
The team finished the season with a record of 41 wins and 41 losses, successfully qualifying for the playoffs after the Play-In tournament.
On the surface, this record illustrates a decline. However, it’s essential to consider the significant injuries that plagued the team throughout the season. Key players fell to injuries one by one. Paolo Banchero suffered an oblique muscle injury just five games in, and weeks later, Franz Wagner experienced the same issue. Later, Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner also faced injuries for varying lengths of time.
With the Magic essentially operating without their four top scorers, they managed to hold their ground despite the setbacks. Unfortunately, the team lost traction after a promising start, ultimately having to navigate through the Play-In to qualify and face the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, who easily dispatched the Magic, exposing their reliance on Banchero and Wagner.
Summer Market Moves
- Departures: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, Caleb Houstan, Gary Harris, Cory Joseph, Mac McClung
- Extensions: Paolo Banchero, Moritz Wagner
- New Arrivals: Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, Jase Richardson, Noah Penda, Orlando Robinson (two-way), Jamal Cain (two-way)
The Magic addressed their two main weaknesses—shooting and playmaking—making impactful moves in the market.
The extension of Paolo Banchero, long anticipated, is now official. The American-Italian star has committed his future to the Magic for the next five years with a max contract that seems well justified, while Moritz Wagner opted for a discount to stay alongside his brother, Franz, as he recovers from his injury.
On the departures side, Orlando traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony for Desmond Bane, a significant deal bolstering their scoring and outside shooting, albeit at the cost of four first-round draft picks.
Orlando also parted ways with Caleb Houstan, Gary Harris, and Cory Joseph, which they should be able to absorb without issue.
The Magic’s 2025-26 Roster
- Point Guards: Jalen Suggs, Tyus Jones, Jase Richardson
- Shooting Guards: Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, Jett Howard
Franz Wagner, Noah Penda, Jamal Cain (two-way) - Power Forwards: Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Tristan Da Silva
- Centers: Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, Moritz Wagner, Orlando Robinson (two-way)
Bold indicates presumed starters, according to sources close to the team.
The starting lineup for the Magic is not expected to change significantly, with Desmond Bane replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the backcourt, marking a substantial improvement in that position.
The tier rankings among head coach Jamahl Mosley’s players are already well established. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are indispensable, Jalen Suggs remains the starting point guard, and Wendell Carter Jr. will play at center until he is sidelined by injury.
As for the bench, rotations are still to be determined. Goga Bitadze will play until Moritz Wagner returns from injury, and Jonathan Isaac is likely to earn minutes due to his defense. Tyus Jones was brought in as the backup point guard and will undoubtedly see significant playing time. Tristan Da Silva and Anthony Black are expected to share the remaining minutes of the second unit, while newcomers like Jett Howard, Noah Penda, and Jase Richardson will need to work hard for opportunities.
Anticipating the Upcoming Season
In a weaker Eastern Conference, the Magic have made their ambitions clear—they want to win now. The opportunity is too significant to overlook, and the management has done a commendable job addressing the team’s weaknesses.
With Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones joining the roster to enhance shooting and ball-handling, they aim to ease the burden on Banchero and Wagner, who were heavily relied upon last season. The two players were the only Magic players performing at a high level during the playoffs. Now, there are no more excuses: the young squad has gained valuable experience and must aim higher than just the first round.
The Magic have equipped themselves to meet their aspirations, but they must avoid injuries and maintain a complete roster to advance, despite the challenges in the Eastern Conference. Coach Mosley will also need to find the right chemistry to integrate newcomers effectively and maximize their contributions. The time to act is now!
Editor’s Prediction: 50 wins – 32 losses
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