2024-25 Orlando Magic Projected Beginning Lineup

October 9, 2024

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The Orlando Magic are coming off their greatest season in years, ending fifth within the Jap Convention with a 47-35 report. They pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven video games within the first spherical of the playoffs, in the end falling quick however displaying immense promise for the long run.

Led by younger star Paolo Banchero, who continues to enhance yr after yr, the Magic are rising as one of the crucial thrilling younger groups within the NBA. With a mixture of rising expertise and sensible veteran additions, the Magic are poised to proceed their ascent within the Jap Convention.

Right here’s a breakdown of their projected beginning lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.

Level Guard (PG)

Starter: Jalen Suggs

Reserves: Anthony Black, Cory Joseph, Trevelin Queen

Jalen Suggs has embraced his function as a defensive stalwart and bettering offensive participant. In his third season, Suggs averaged 12.6 factors, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per recreation. He has developed into one of many premier 3-and-D guards within the league, showcasing his defensive versatility and talent to knock down perimeter photographs. Suggs’ development on offense, mixed along with his tenacious protection, makes him an important piece for the Magic’s future success.

Anthony Black, the Magic’s lottery decide from 2023, will again up Suggs. Black brings measurement, defensive depth, and playmaking to the second unit. Cory Joseph offers veteran expertise and management, whereas Trevelin Queen will supply extra depth.

Taking pictures Guard (SG)

Starter: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Reserves: Cole Anthony, Caleb Houstan, Mac McClung

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion, joins the Magic as their greatest offseason acquisition. Identified for his 3-and-D ability set, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 factors, 2.4 rebounds, and a couple of.4 assists final season with the Denver Nuggets whereas taking pictures an environment friendly 46.0% from the sphere and 40.6% from three-point vary. His championship pedigree and perimeter protection will add much-needed expertise and stability to the younger Magic roster. Caldwell-Pope’s taking pictures potential will assist area the ground for the staff’s core gamers.

Cole Anthony, one of many key younger abilities on the roster, will proceed to offer scoring punch off the bench. Final season, Anthony averaged 11.6 factors, 3.8 rebounds, and a couple of.9 assists whereas taking pictures 43.5% from the sphere and 33.8% from three-point vary. Caleb Houstan and Mac McClung will supply extra depth and will see minutes relying on matchups.

Small Ahead (SF)

Starter: Franz Wagner

Reserves: Gary Harris, Jett Howard, Javonte Sensible, Ethan Johnson

Franz Wagner is rising as a star in his personal proper alongside Paolo Banchero. After a breakout season, the Magic rewarded Wagner with a five-year rookie max extension value as much as $270 million. Wagner averaged 19.7 factors, 5.3 rebounds, and three.7 assists per recreation whereas taking pictures 48.2% from the sphere. Though his three-point taking pictures dipped final season (28%), Wagner’s potential to attain in numerous methods, mixed along with his defensive versatility, makes him one of the crucial invaluable younger wings within the NBA. His partnership with Banchero shall be key to the Magic’s continued development.

Gary Harris offers veteran management and three-point taking pictures off the bench, whereas rookie Jett Howard, a lottery decide in 2023, will look to ascertain himself as a flexible wing with scoring potential. Javonte Sensible and Ethan Johnson supply additional depth on the small ahead place.

Energy Ahead (PF)

Starter: Paolo Banchero

Reserves: Jonathan Isaac, Tristan Da Silva, Jarrett Culver

Paolo Banchero, the 2023 Rookie of the Yr and franchise cornerstone, has rapidly change into one of many league’s most promising younger stars. Banchero averaged 22.6 factors, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per recreation final season whereas taking pictures 45.5% from the sphere and 33.9% from three-point vary. His potential to attain from all areas of the ground, create for others, and affect the sport on each ends has drawn comparisons to a modern-day Carmelo Anthony. Banchero’s continued growth shall be essential as he leads the Magic again into competition.

Jonathan Isaac, when wholesome, stays among the best defenders within the league and offers elite rim safety and flexibility off the bench. Nevertheless, accidents have hampered his availability, so the Magic will hope for a completely wholesome season from him. Tristan Da Silva and Jarrett Culver add depth to the facility ahead rotation.

Heart (C)

Starter: Wendell Carter Jr.

Reserves: Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, Jalen Slawson

Wendell Carter Jr. continues to be a strong, dependable choice within the center for the Magic. Final season, Carter averaged 11.0 factors, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists whereas taking pictures an environment friendly 52.5% from the sphere and 37.4% from three-point vary. His potential to stretch the ground whereas offering rim safety and rebounding has made him an integral a part of Orlando’s frontcourt alongside Banchero. Carter’s continued enchancment shall be key to the Magic’s success, particularly in matchups towards elite facilities.

Moritz Wagner, Franz’s brother, brings toughness, scoring, and hustle off the bench, whereas Goga Bitadze provides extra depth within the frontcourt. Jalen Slawson rounds out the middle rotation and will compete for minutes relying on accidents and matchups.

The Orlando Magic have constructed one of the crucial thrilling younger cores within the NBA, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With sensible offseason additions like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who brings championship expertise and perimeter protection, the Magic have addressed some key wants as they appear to take the following step of their growth. Jalen Suggs continues to evolve as a premier 3-and-D guard, whereas Wendell Carter Jr. anchors the center along with his two-way play.

The Magic’s mixture of younger expertise and veteran management makes them a harmful staff within the Jap Convention. With continued development from their core and a full season of well being, the Magic could possibly be in line for one more playoff berth—and doubtlessly a deeper run this time round. Whereas they’re nonetheless a couple of steps away from contending for a championship, the muse is in place, and Orlando shall be a staff to look at within the coming years.

They’ve the potential to shock many groups this season, and if their younger stars proceed to develop, the Magic could possibly be one of the crucial formidable squads within the East.

Listed here are all of the projected lineups we have accomplished up to now:

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