2024-25 Orlando Magic: A quick preview
With one of the deepest benches and a top-tier defense, the Magic are building something special. Third-year star Paolo Banchero has already shown flashes of MVP-level potential, making it clear that this team is on the verge of a breakthrough. They may be one year away from taking that next big step, though. In a stacked Eastern Conference, they’ll be fighting for the sixth seed, but even if things don’t go perfectly, they’re almost certain to make the playoffs through the play-in tournament.
After a surprise finish last year, breaking their playoff drought and securing a Top 5 seed in the East, the Magic solidified their roster for the 2024-25 season. Their big offseason move was signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million contract. Caldwell-Pope is a high-level defender and one of the league’s most durable players, having played in 96 percent of regular-season games since 2013. His toughness and experience add a valuable veteran presence to this young roster.
Orlando also prioritized continuity, re-signing key free agents like Goga Bitadze, Gary Harris, and Moritz Wagner, while renegotiating Jonathan Isaac’s deal. Meanwhile, young talents Jett Howard and Anthony Black are ready to step up. Although they didn’t play major roles last season, both are brimming with potential and could be key to the Magic’s next leap.
The team has a total payroll of $160,369,801 for the 2024-25 season, ranking them 27th in 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 Images
* Deep bench and improving defense, providing depth and versatility throughout the roster.
* Added a high-level 3-and-D player in KCP to improve perimeter defense and shooting, addressing a key weakness.
* Young core with significant upside and potential to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
* Retained key players from last season, maintaining continuity and team chemistry.
* Lack of a strong perimeter creator remains a concern, limiting offensive playmaking options.
* Ranked low in three-point shooting last season, still need consistent outside shooting to compete at the highest level.
* Young roster may still be a year away from true contention.
Mike Watters-Imagn Images
HoopsHype: 1st in the Southeast Division, 7th in the Eastern Conference
ESPN: 2nd in the Southeast Division, 8th in the Eastern Conference
Sportsbooks: 47.5 projected wins
HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365
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