Certainly, the Orlando Magic are a workforce on the rise. They proved as a lot final season, stunning their method to the No. 5 seed within the Jap Convention and taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven video games within the first spherical of the playoffs.
Now comes the subsequent step — and that might be to be within the combine for East competition.
In accordance with large man Paolo Banchero, the Magic are shut.
“We’re proper there with all these (elite groups within the East),” Banchero stated on ESPN, through Dan Savage of Magic.com. “I keep in mind final yr, we began the yr off as a top-two, top-three seed and everyone thought it was a fluke. Everyone thought we had been going to be a play-in workforce and drop out the highest of the East. We completed robust and received the fifth seed and had an opportunity to essentially seize the 2 seed on the finish of the season.
“We had been proper there final yr. We received higher this yr. I received higher; all of us received higher. We received some new items which are going to assist quite a bit. We’re making an attempt to make some noise. We should always simply be a top-four, top-three workforce, and have an opportunity to win the East.”
Together with Banchero, the Magic characteristic the likes of ahead Franz Wagner, guard Jalen Suggs, heart Wendell Carter Jr., and newcomer Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — who received a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, and with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
“Getting KCP goes to assist us quite a bit,” Banchero stated. “That’s a man that’s received two championships within the final 5 seasons. He’s been round among the best (gamers) of all-time. So, he’s going to have the ability to come out and make an enormous distinction for us. (Additionally), we’re a very younger workforce and getting that playoff expertise (and) a top-five seed final yr (offers us) loads of momentum heading into subsequent season. Everyone goes to (be) a yr higher, a yr stronger, and extra developed. We needs to be good subsequent yr.”
As for the East general, it’s certainly deep. The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Cavs are others who enter the season with excessive expectations.
