2023-24 season: 47-35
Highlight of the season: His post-All-Star game. The Magic had a 17-10 record, cementing themselves as a legitimate winning team this season. While the 30-25 record before the break was excellent, skepticism was still widespread given the age of the primary core. Those doubts were silenced when the Magic made the playoffs as a top-five team in the East, proving themselves to be a future force to watch.
How it ended
With a lot of purpose and a clear set of needs for the summer. The Magic became an overwhelming defensive force this season, their third under coach Jamahl Mosley, and finished the regular season as the second-best defensive team in the league. For a team with just one player over 30 (Joe Ingles), this speaks volumes of their collective potential.
While most talk about the play of Paolo Banchero, the Rookie Of the Year who made his first All-Star team this season, arguably the biggest story is the evolution of Jalen Suggs. The third-year guard hasn’t had the best start to his pro career, struggling offensively during his first two seasons and often being a liability on the floor.
This season, however, Suggs changed his approach. Instead of trying to become a do-it-all point guard, he started to become a 3&D point guard. He worked on Banchero and Franz Wagner’s playmaking and converted 39.7% of his 3-point attempts. with 85% of them being watched, a significant increase from the 69.4% mark in the first two seasons.
Suggs turned into a reliable shooter at the right time, as Wagner, the team’s second-leading scorer, struggled with his outside shooting (28.1% from 3) all season, playing a notable role in Orlando being one of the worst 3-point shooters. shooting teams in the NBA. Ingles (43.5%) was the only Orlando player who shot over 40% from downtown this season, so the team faced severe spacing issues that minimized its overall efficiency.
The good news is how the Magic have stayed relevant despite a tough offense. For a young team, being able to utilize defensive and agility players to get wins – and some of them – is an extremely strong recipe for future success.
Although the Magic didn’t go far in the playoffs, they were able to respond after two miserable performances against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Games 1 and 2. The team could have easily rolled over, but they kept going and managed to bounce back. on the Serie. Now the Magic’s focus shifts to the offseason, where their to-do list is glaringly obvious.
Greater need in the off-season
A true point guard and 3-point shooter. Orlando has apparently drafted half the guards in the world in recent years, but no one has really emerged as a star for them yet. The Magic need to hit the market strong this summer and find someone who can steer the ship alongside Banchero, who will also handle the ball a lot. Whichever guard they find, that player should be a high-volume 3-point shooter. Do they have the assets Trae Young needs? It remains to be seen, but he would fit the archetype of player they need.
Focus on the draft
Last year, the Magic invested in the backcourt, drafting guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard in the lottery. This year’s draft could focus on increasing the size of the position with Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, Baylor’s Yves Missi, Indiana’s Kel’el Ware or the versatile 6-foot-10 forward from the G League’s Ignite. Tyler Smith, who was one of the most improved players. in the league. -Krysten Peek
Projected draft picks (pre-lottery):
Nos. 18, 47
Salary cap details
Orlando has one of the cleanest covers in the NBA. No player is scheduled to earn more than $17.4 million (Jonathan Isaac), and the combined cap hit of Fultz, Harris and Chuma Okeke ($55.8 million) is expected to be waived. The team could also decline his $11 million team option on Ingles to free up even more money.
The Magic should have at least $40 million to play with, meaning they can go after the big fish and offer teams to absorb players at their cap hit, which for expensive teams steeped in the luxury tax can be a saving grace. Expect the Magic to come up with several big ideas this summer to keep the momentum going.
Top free agents
Markelle Fultz (UFA)
Gary Harris (UFA)
Goal for next season
Get even better and go deeper into the playoffs. Orlando is not willing to turn around and go in a more passive direction. Not after this year. The Magic are leaning on their core, they’re leaning on Banchero, and they’re leaning on the idea of building something sustainable. Magic fans have every reason to be excited.
What can move the fantasy needle
The Magic surpassed last year’s win total by 13 games, the second-largest margin in the league. Banchero earned his first All-Star berth, and Wagner achieved career-highs in points, rebounds and assists. But what really caught the league by surprise was Orlando’s move to become a top-three defensive team, a testament to their potential for growth and future performance.
One of the most exciting developments this season was Suggs’ mini-breakout. His improved defense and field goal shooting make him a promising prospect for next season. Likewise, Wendell Carter Jr. is expected to see an increase in his numbers, especially if the Magic decide not to re-sign Goga Bitadze. These potential player developments suggest a bright future for the Magic.
Looking ahead to next season, there are still some uncertainties for the Orlando Magic. It’s too early to know if Black or Cole Anthony will take over the point guard duties, or if Isaac can maintain his performance for fantasy relevance. However, one thing is certain: there is a lot to expect from this young Orlando unit. Don’t be surprised to see the Magic invest in some much-needed shooters to pair with Banchero and Wagner this summer as they continue to shape their roster for the future. -Dan Tito
