Magic Season Preview: Continued Rise Hinges on Paulo Banchero, Franz Wagner

October 11, 2024

Magic Preview

A look at the Orlando Magic entering the 2024-25 season …

New Faces: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cory Joseph, Tristan Da Silva
Key Losses: Markelle Fultz, Joe Ingles, Chuma Okeke

Overview

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope isn’t a star, but he’s exactly the kind of guy a team grabs when they’re ready to make a serious run. He’s a role player who shows up in big moments, proven by his rings with the Lakers in 2020 and Nuggets in 2023.

Now, he’s in Orlando, joining a backcourt alongside Jalen Suggs, forming one of the best defensive duos in the league. Throw in the scoring punch of Cole Anthony and the veteran poise of Gary Harris, and suddenly, the Magic’s guard rotation looks deep — deep enough that they decided to let former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz walk.

That depth extends to their frontcourt, too. Wendell Carter Jr. is the anchor at center, and while he may not be a household name, he brings a balance of skill and power that gives the Magic a lot to work with. Moritz Wagner stretches the floor, Jonathan Isaac — when healthy — can be one of the best defenders in the league, and Goga Bitadze adds some muscle.

The real question isn’t about the supporting cast, though. It’s whether Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are ready to carry this team to the next level.

Banchero has already proven he’s got the goods, making the All-Star team at 21. He averaged 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists on solid shooting splits. His ability to get to the rim is second to none for his age, and if he improves his shooting consistency — especially on pull-ups, where he struggled last season — he’ll be even tougher to stop.

The potential is there for him to become an elite playmaker, but he needs to take that next step to really be considered among the game’s top-tier players.

Then there’s Wagner, who looked like he was on the verge of an All-Star nod before his jumper betrayed him. He shot just 28.1% from three last season, the lowest of any high-volume shooter in the league.

That hit his confidence hard, but even with that, he still averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists with a true shooting percentage of 57.5%. If he finds his stroke again, the Magic could be in business.

Here’s the thing: Banchero and Wagner’s development is tied together. When one commands attention, the other gets space to operate. If both click, the Magic could be a nightmare to defend, especially with shooters like Caldwell-Pope and Suggs waiting for open looks.

Defensively, they’re already in good shape. Orlando was one of the better defensive teams in the league last season, which is rare for a team this young. But it’s the offense that will make or break them, and it all starts with Banchero and Wagner.

In a best-case scenario, even a slightly above-average offense could make the Magic a top-three team in the East. A top-10 offense? They’re a legitimate contender, maybe even pushing for a spot in the conference finals. T

hey nearly made the second round last season, and that was with Banchero and Wagner still finding their way. Add in a defense that keeps them in games, and you’re looking at a team that could arrive ahead of schedule.

But if things go south? If Wagner’s shooting woes continue, the questions about his fit as a No. 2 option will get louder. His max extension is looming, and if he can’t produce, it could look like a $224 million mistake.

If Banchero doesn’t grow as a shooter or playmaker, it puts a ceiling on his game, and on this team. All of a sudden, their center rotation doesn’t look as solid, the defense slips, and they’re back to scrapping for a play-in spot.

The Magic’s future is bright, but it’s fragile — and it all hinges on their two young stars stepping up.