The 2024-2025 NBA season is here! We analyze the biggest questions, best- and worst-case scenarios, and fantasy prospects for all 30 teams. Enjoy!
ORLANDO MAGIC
End 2023-24
Off-season moves
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Additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cory Joseph, Tristan Da Silva
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Deductions: Markelle Fultz, Joe Ingles, Chuma Okeke
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Complete roster
The big question: Are Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner the fundamental building blocks of a championship candidate?
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is one of the best complementary role players in the NBA. He’s the type of player a team signs once the powers that be convince themselves they can actually compete. Just ask the Los Angeles Lakers, who won with him in 2020, or the Denver Nuggets, who won with him in 2023.
Caldwell-Pope joins All-Defensive guard Jalen Suggs on one of the best defensive backcourts in the league. Cole Anthony’s direct offense and Gary Harris’ veteran presence round out a talented group of guards — so talented that the Magic opted not to bring back former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz.
The Magic is just as deep in the middle, where Wendell Carter Jr., Moe Wagner, Jonathan Isaac and Goga Bitadze combine to provide a combination of shooting, defense and strength. Carter is perhaps the best representative of all three, although a healthy Isaac could be the game’s best defensive player per minute.
Jamahl Mosley, runner-up for Coach of the Year last season, has his options. None of them will matter – at least as far as this season goes – if Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner aren’t ready to lead them.
Banchero was an All-Star last season at age 21. He averaged 23-7-5 on 46/34/73 shooting splits. He has all the tools to become an elite playmaker from the forward position. He hasn’t tapped into them yet, though few players have ever found it so difficult to avoid hitting the rim at such a young age.
He was able to improve his shooting efficiency across the board, especially on pull-up jumpers, where he shot under 40% last season (and 32.8% from 3). Imagine the possibilities when the defense doesn’t know whether to guard his drive or his shot. They’re downright LeBron-esque. He will also need to improve his game if he ever wants to be considered one of the game’s top No. 1 options, but it is all within his reach.
Wagner also seemed headed for an All-Star bid at age 21 until his jumper failed him last season. No high-volume shooter recorded a lower 3-point percentage than Wagner’s 28.1% on 4.6 attempts per game. His trust was broken. Even then, Wagner averaged 20-5-4 on 57.5% true shooting last season.
The development of Banchero and Wagner are linked. The more respect one commands, the more freedom the other has to operate. And if both must be respected, they will spin the defense in an attempt to stop the ball And taking into account Caldwell-Pope, Suggs and other shooters around them.
Defensively, the Magic are set. It’s rare for such a young team to perform as well defensively as the Magic did last season. They are big and versatile and played hard for their coach. They were involved in a seven-game rock battle in the first round with the Cleveland Cavaliers and averaged 91.5 points per game in their four losses. It’s the offense that’s holding them back, and Banchero and Wagner are the straws that get that drink moving.
They combined to average 45.9 points, 15.5 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game in their first playoff series. Each team would take that from a few players still on their rookie contracts. But Wagner is due for his max extension next season, and Banchero will start his season in 2026. Building around them will be more difficult in the coming years, so Orlando struck now, adding Caldwell-Pope to a largely re-signed supporting cast.
The Magicians have prepared to make a jump, but Banchero and Wagner must make their jumps first.
At best
Even a mediocre offense — if the defense remains the same — would push the Magic’s net rating to 4.7, which would have ranked third in the East last season. A top-10 offense? Then the Magic might be in line for a top seed. They were one win (or one terrible third quarter) away from reaching the second round of last season’s playoffs. If Banchero and Wagner can produce victories, accelerated by Suggs and Carter, Caldwell-Pope and crew, the conference finals will be well within reach and Orlando will arrive ahead of schedule.
When everything falls apart
Wagner can’t shoot. Suddenly, more serious questions arise about whether Wagner can ever be the No. 2 guy on a championship-caliber team — and whether he can ever live up to the value of his $224 million deal. Banchero is stagnant and not making meaningful strides as a shooter or playmaker. Despite all the centers they have, they can’t find one who can man the position as a bona fide Playoff Guy. The defense suffers from a lack of effort, they turn winnable games into losses and they return to contention for a play-in berth.
Fantasy twist
The market is too high for Paolo Banchero in category formats. He’s certainly worth a second-round pick in points leagues, but Banchero’s high turnover rate, lack of 3s, blocks, and mediocre free throws put him down significantly in category leagues.
Banchero was the lowest-ranked All-Star in category formats, finishing 159th last season. I’m not saying we shouldn’t draft him; I’m saying a late third round is a significant gap from where his true value lies. However, if we get Playoff Paolo off the ground, things could get very, very interesting.
Make sure you get Jalen Suggs. He starts at point guard, which should increase his assist percentage after already making strides as a 3-point threat and lockdown defender. Suggs will outperform his ninth-round ADP, which is currently sliding toward pick 100. – Then Titus
Schedule 2024-25
Last season they won 47 games and added Caldwell-Pope. Any collective improvement from their young core should catapult them even higher. I think the Magic are ready for the spotlight. Take the upper hand.
