Last season, the Orlando Magic exceeded all expectations. The team finished with a 47-35 record, their best since the 2010-11 season. Additionally, they earned the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020. A large reason for their unexpected success was the breakout campaign of 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. In his second season, Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He also shot 45.5% from the floor and 33.9% from behind the line. It is a small sample size, but all of these numbers are career highs for the 21-year-old. Furthermore, he became a first-time All-Star last season and will likely make more All-Star teams in the future.
Despite losing in the first round to the Cleveland Cavaliers this past postseason, the future looks bright in Orlando. However, when looking at the other teams the Magic stack up against in the conference, it is tough to picture them as immediate title contenders. They are a young and exciting team, but the Magic are unlikely to be better than the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, or Philadelphia 76ers next season. Furthermore, teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers could still rank better than them in 2025. However, despite being underdogs, Banchero still has high hopes for the team.
In a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Banchero spoke about the Magic’s outlook for next season and said they “should easily be a top-four, top-three team” in the East next season.
Paolo Banchero says the Magic are up there with the Celtics, Knicks, and Sixers 👀
“I think we should easily be a top 4, top 3 team and have a chance to win the East.”
(🎥 @FirstTake / h/t @ClutchPoints )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2024
Orlando Magic Star Gives Bold Take for 2024-25 Season
Paolo Banchero is Underestimating the Rest of the Eastern Conference
On First Take, Banchero mentioned that he feels like the Magic improved this offseason. In addition to natural progression from him and the rest of the team, the Magic made some solid moves in the offseason. The biggest move the team made was signing two-time champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope away from the Denver Nuggets. Caldwell-Pope is a fantastic three-and-D player and should provide a boost to Orlando’s roster. However, the top of the Eastern Conference remains competitive.
The Celtics are the reigning champions. Although they will likely start next season without Kristaps Porzingis, they still have the best roster in the East and remain the team to beat. The Knicks added Mikal Bridges and re-signed some key players. Though they lost a few solid role players, they should finish in the top three in the East next season. Philadelphia had arguably the best offseason of any team in the league this summer. They added star Paul George, and veterans like Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin.
Additionally, the Pacers are fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, and like Orlando, will bank on natural progression next season. Plus, they will have a full year with Pascal Siakam on the team for the first time next season. And although last season was a bit underwhelming, the Bucks are still a tremendous team on paper and had a good offseason.
The Last Word on Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic
The Magic are a great team and could exceed expectations again. However, based on the rest of the conference, it will be much more difficult than Banchero suggests.
