Based on the Orlando Magic offseason, they seemed to be betting on their current core, and that’s not a bad thing. Orlando crept into the playoffs as the eighth seed and almost pulled off the upset against the first seed Detroit Pistons, who many believe would’ve pulled it off if they were healthy. Unfortunately for the Magic, that’s exactly how their past few seasons have gone. It’s a big mystery on how this team would actually do if they stay healthy because on paper they have some of the best talent in the league.
It’s always a bit concerning when a team that is trying to win makes no changes to their team after having an underwhelming season, but for Orlando it’s different. Paolo Banchero had a healthy season last year, playing in 72 games compared to 46 games the season prior. Franz Wagner appeared in only 34 games this past season and missed the last three playoff games, all of which the Magic lost without him.
Jalen Suggs has also been dealing with injuries over the past couple of seasons, as he played in 57 games last year and 35 the year before. You can’t always blame it on injuries, but when three of your four best players seem to never be on the court together, it’s hard to find a rhythm.
The Magic offseason has been minor moves, like replacing their former head coach, Jamahl Mosley, with Sean Sweeney. They decided to bring back Nikola Vucevic on a one-year, $3.8 million deal, as well as re-signing Jonathan Issac and Jevon Carter. These small moves don’t move the needle in contending for a deep playoff run, but a healthy season for their top four guys surely will. This is easier said than done because Orlando can’t let guys sit out during the regular season and rest for the playoffs because they need a higher seed to make their path easier.
Although Desmond Bane did finish the year strong, he started off the season slow, and many people think it was because of him not yet acclimated to the team. Even after the slow start, Bane finished the season with 20.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Banchero averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, while Wagner put up 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. The problem was all of them being able to stay on the court together, which matters a lot because they need the reps of players to each other’s strengths come playoff time.
The Magic finished with a 45-37 record even with all of the injuries. Luck will need to be on their side when it comes down to staying healthy, but they’ve got the talent and the playoff experience to be a team no one wants to play against. Their projected starting lineup is Suggs, Bane, Wagner, Banchero, and Wendell Carter, which gives them a major size and strength advantage over almost any team in the league. The only thing holding Orlando back is injuries and a revamped Eastern Conference that looks as strong as ever.
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Magic fans are done with the developmental phase of this team, and they want to see it turn into success in the playoffs, which they have yet to achieve. Orlando is making the right move by running it back because they’re getting unlucky with injuries. People shouldn’t question why they didn’t make any major moves because they already have a foundation that works; we just need to see a larger sample size of it together. After a full year of building and learning together, they’re ready to take that next step, but will their bodies allow them to do so?
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