This offseason, wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departed from the Denver Nuggets after two seasons to join the Orlando Magic on a three-year, $66 million contract. The Magic are fresh off their best campaign in years. Last season, they ended the season with a 47-35 record and earned the No. 5 seed in the East. Furthermore, they nearly won their first playoff series since 2010, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round in a seven-game series. The Magic are a rising team with a lot of potential. By adding Caldwell-Pope, a two-time champion, the Magic are aiming to make an extra push to inch closer to title contention. And now, just a couple of weeks before the 2024-25 season kicks off, Caldwell-Pope has revealed why he signed with the Magic.
Per The Athletic (subscription required), the 32-year-old said that his family was his biggest priority regarding his free agency decision. Additionally, Caldwell-Pope said he felt he fit the best in Orlando. He also cited his opportunity to “make an immediate impact” as a reason he joined the Magic.
“For me, I prioritized my family, first. That’s the main thing, putting me and my family in a great position. Also, just talking to my agent, getting all the numbers, that side of that. And the team and the organization, where I feel I fit in best, where I think I can make an immediate impact.”
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Explains Why He Signed With the Magic
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s Fit With the Orlando Magic
As it stands, Caldwell-Pope will likely start for the Magic at shooting guard this season. Additionally, his two-way style of play and overall balanced game should benefit the Magic immediately. Next to Jalen Suggs, the two make up one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA. Last season, the Magic ended as one of the best defensive teams in the league. Their 111.3 Defensive Rating was second-best in the NBA. Additionally, they allowed just 108.4 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the league. With the addition of Caldwell-Pope, Orlando is adding an extra reinforcement to an area they are already elite in.
Where the Orlando Magic Stand in the NBA
Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic should be a lock to make it back to the playoffs next year. Furthermore, with their roster moves, they should take that next step as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. On paper, the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers are teams who are considered to easily be better than Orlando. However, beyond those three, the rest of the conference in wide open. The Magic likely sit in the tier right below the top three. This would rank them next to teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and the Cavaliers.
