Final season, the Orlando Magic exceeded all expectations. The crew completed with a 47-35 report, their finest for the reason that 2010-11 season. Moreover, they earned the No. 5 seed within the Japanese Convention and clinched a playoff spot for the primary time since 2020. A big motive for his or her surprising success was the breakout marketing campaign of 2023 Rookie of the 12 months Paolo Banchero. In his second season, Banchero averaged 22.6 factors, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per sport. He additionally shot 45.5% from the ground and 33.9% from behind the road. It’s a small pattern measurement, however all of those numbers are profession highs for the 21-year-old. Moreover, he turned a first-time All-Star final season and can probably make extra All-Star groups sooner or later.
Regardless of shedding within the first spherical to the Cleveland Cavaliers this previous postseason, the long run appears to be like vibrant in Orlando. Nevertheless, when wanting on the different groups the Magic stack up towards within the convention, it’s robust to image them as rapid title contenders. They’re a younger and thrilling crew, however the Magic are unlikely to be higher than the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, or Philadelphia 76ers subsequent season. Moreover, groups just like the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers might nonetheless rank higher than them in 2025. Nevertheless, regardless of being underdogs, Banchero nonetheless has excessive hopes for the crew.
In a latest look on ESPN’s First Take, Banchero spoke concerning the Magic’s outlook for subsequent season and mentioned they “ought to simply be a top-four, top-three crew” within the East subsequent season.
