With one of many deepest benches and a top-tier protection, the Magic are constructing one thing particular. Third-year star Paolo Banchero has already proven flashes of MVP-level potential, making it clear that this staff is on the verge of a breakthrough. They might be one 12 months away from taking that subsequent large step, although. In a stacked Jap Convention, they’ll be preventing for the sixth seed, however even when issues don’t go completely, they’re virtually sure to make the playoffs via the play-in match.
After a shock end final 12 months, breaking their playoff drought and securing a Prime 5 seed within the East, the Magic solidified their roster for the 2024-25 season. Their large offseason transfer was signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million contract. Caldwell-Pope is a high-level defender and one of many league’s most sturdy gamers, having performed in 96 p.c of regular-season video games since 2013. His toughness and expertise add a helpful veteran presence to this younger roster.
Orlando additionally prioritized continuity, re-signing key free brokers like Goga Bitadze, Gary Harris, and Moritz Wagner, whereas renegotiating Jonathan Isaac’s deal. In the meantime, younger abilities Jett Howard and Anthony Black are able to step up. Though they didn’t play main roles final season, each are brimming with potential and might be key to the Magic’s subsequent leap.
The staff has a complete payroll of $160,369,801 for the 2024-25 season, rating them twenty seventh within the NBA.
Returning: Paolo Banchero, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan, Trevelin Queen
Additions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Denver), Tristan Da Silva (Colorado), Cory Joseph (Golden State), Mac McClung (Osceola)
Departures: Chuma Okeke, Kevon Harris, Markelle Fultz, Joe Ingles (Minnesota), Admiral Schofield (ASVEL)
Mike Watters-Imagn Photographs
* Deep bench and enhancing protection, offering depth and flexibility all through the roster.
* Added a high-level 3-and-D participant in KCP to enhance perimeter protection and capturing, addressing a key weak spot.
* Younger core with vital upside and potential to take the subsequent step within the Jap Convention.
* Retained key gamers from final season, sustaining continuity and staff chemistry.
* Lack of a powerful perimeter creator stays a priority, limiting offensive playmaking choices.
* Ranked low in three-point capturing final season, nonetheless want constant outdoors capturing to compete on the highest stage.
* Younger roster should still be a 12 months away from true rivalry.
Mike Watters-Imagn Photographs
HoopsHype: 1st within the Southeast Division, seventh within the Jap Convention
ESPN: 2nd within the Southeast Division, eighth within the Jap Convention
Sportsbooks: 47.5 projected wins
HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, together with FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365
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