{"id":160142,"date":"2025-09-25T06:30:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T10:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=160142"},"modified":"2025-09-24T23:24:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T03:24:21","slug":"three-keys-to-the-orlando-magic-ending-their-offensive-drought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/09\/25\/three-keys-to-the-orlando-magic-ending-their-offensive-drought\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Keys to the Orlando Magic Ending Their Offensive Drought"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Orlando Magic haven\u2019t had a top 20 offense in the NBA since the 2011-12 season. For context, that was the last season Dwight Howard<\/a> played for the Magic. It was also the last season Stan Van Gundy was on the sidelines. Since then, they have had several coaches, but none have managed to put together a good offense. To be fair, even in 2012, they finished 15th in offensive rating<\/a>. In the new fast-paced NBA, teams cannot expect to compete without having at least a good offense. Yes, defense wins championships, but in the last several years, the Magic have had trouble scoring.<\/p>\n

Three Keys to the Orlando Magic Ending Their Offensive Drought<\/h2>\n

With two stars like Franz Wagner<\/a> and Paolo Banchero<\/a>, the Magic should have a good offense, right? Wrong. They have finished 26th, 22nd, and 27th in Banchero\u2019s three seasons with the franchise. To be fair, last season, he missed almost half of the season.<\/p>\n

The good news for the Magic fans is that teams can turn a corner. For example, the Oklahoma City Thunder had the worst offense in the league<\/a> in 2021-22, and that was with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> on the roster playing 56 games. Last season, the Thunder won the championship. Can the Magic make such a turn? Well, we will have to wait and see. But there are three reasons they can have a better offense this season<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wagner Playing With More Pace<\/h3>\n

There was a stretch last season when Wagner looked like an All-Star player. That was without Banchero in the lineup. But this summer gave Magic fans something to hope for. Germany won the EuroBasket 2025 title with the Magic forward being one of the leaders. But what he showed during the run to the title is that he is unstoppable in the open court.<\/p>\n

The Orlando Magic could use him in a similar way to open up more possibilities and improve their offense. For Germany, whenever he had a chance, he sprinted to the rim, finished through contact, and at least drew a foul. The Magic have a solid defense that provides enough rebounds, so they just need to increase their speed and push the tempo.<\/p>\n

Bane Spacing and Shooting<\/h3>\n

The big move for the Magic this summer was acquiring Desmond Bane<\/a>. While some would say they gave up too much for a player who has never been an All-Star, Bane has skills that the Magic desperately need.<\/p>\n

Bane is another player who can initiate offense in transition and will hunt for three-point shots. Defenses do not have time to set before he launches a three-pointer. Last season, Bane was a key contributor to the Memphis Grizzlies’ sixth-best offense in the league. While the Magic do not play at the same pace, and they do not have a Ja Morant<\/a> on the team, Bane will be a weapon they can use to speed up the tempo.<\/p>\n

And when the defense sets, he is great at spreading the floor with his shooting. Last season, his three-point attempts dipped, but he still shot them with 39.2% efficiency. He has never shot less than 38% and is a career 41% shooter from three-point range.<\/p>\n

Jalen Suggs Unleashed<\/h3>\n

One of the pieces the Magic sent away in the trade for Bane was Cole Anthony<\/a>. That move left Jalen Suggs<\/a> as the only point guard on the Magic. The team hopes he will be ready for training camp, but Suggs spoke recently about caution and not rushing things. While appearing on “The Sixth Man” podcast, he said:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m feeling really good. The knee has been a process. But I\u2019m feeling healthy, feeling strong. The rest of my body feels amazing. I think this is the best my upper body has felt in terms of look and functional strength. Camp and return will come in time, but our process is really working, and I love the spot we\u2019re in right now.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n