Traditionally, the Magic have not completed a lot within the postseason. Other than a number of Finals appearances, the franchise has a really restricted monitor report of success and so they’ve been attempting for many years to construct an enduring dynasty within the East.
Final season, they lastly confirmed indicators of progress. After a sizzling begin to the season, the place they have been competing for the highest spot within the Convention, the Magic put the world on discover and managed to maintain their momentum into the spring, after they completed at 47-35 on the season.
Within the playoffs, they have been one win away from advancing to the East Semi-Finals, however they have been in the end bested within the first spherical after an explosive efficiency from Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers. With notable additions equivalent to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cory Joseph, the Magic received notably deeper this summer time and count on to be a top-six crew once more subsequent season.
The important thing to success for the Magic primarily rests on the shoulders of younger swingman Paolo Banchero. Whereas he is clearly assured that his crew has what it takes, each crew wants a frontrunner and he should step into that function if the Magic are to have any probability to compete.
Final season, the 21-year-old averaged 22.6 factors, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per recreation 45.5% taking pictures. He made his first All-Star crew and led the Magic to their greatest season for the reason that finish of the Dwight Howard period.
Between Paolo, Fraz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Magic have an opportunity to make some severe noise within the East subsequent season and show themselves as a official challenger to the Jap favorites such because the Celtics, Knicks, and new-look 76ers.
With everybody overlooking the Magic, that is their probability to shock everybody and pull off the sudden. With virtually no historical past of success, no one goes to place a lot religion within the Magic however Paolo can win over a variety of believers if he lives as much as his potential as a former No. 1 general decide. Solely time will inform what he can do, nevertheless it’s secure to say that he is off to an honest begin to date.