Orlando was one of the worst teams in the league last season, but unlike some other lowly teams, the Magic showed some positive signs going forward. They won 12 more games than they had won the previous season and after a terrible start, where they only won 5 of their first 25 games, they were a legit competitive team with a 29-24 record in the span of games after their dreadful start and before the usual “tank job” at the end of the season.
Their most used lineup (Fultz + Harris + Wagner + Banchero + Carter Jr.) had a positive net number of +1.0 in 1184 possessions. Banchero was the rookie of the year and his ability to be aggressive and get to the line was remarkable for a rookie. Also Franz Wagner established himself as a good player for the team and with Carter Jr, the Magic already have a nice frontcourt unit for the future.
2023/24 OUTLOOK:
With a solid and young frontcourt unit already established, the Magic tried to upgrade its backcourt during the offseason. They drafted Anthony Black with the #6 draft pick and he will join Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs in a crowded PG position. Orlando already had nice depth last season but the production of their guards was erratic: they committed a lot of turnovers and were awful on long range shooting. Black can be a real upgrade in the playmaking department, but his shooting ability isn’t one of his biggest strengths. With so many options, the PG rotation will be one of the team’s biggest challenges for this upcoming season.
Orlando signed Joe Ingles and he should help the team with his leadership and shooting skills. They also still have Jonathan Isaac, who has struggled with injuries over the last few years, but who showed that he is a great defensive player when healthy.
The Magic have the tools to be once again a good defensive team but it will be the offensive end that will decide whether this season will be a successful one for the team or not. They certainly have good depth but it won’t be easy for the coach to create a rotation that finds the right balance on both ends of the floor.