The Magic have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NBA this season. Health issues -- including Wednesday's update that Franz Wagner will be out indefinitely due to his high left ankle sprain -- have certainly played a part in the team's mediocre 29-25 record. But it would be disingenuous to act as though injuries have been Orlando's only problem in 2025/26.
Even after Thursday's blowout victory over the Kings, who have now lost 15 straight games, the Magic's defensive rating has plummeted to No. 14 in the league after they ranked second and third in that category in the previous two seasons. And despite making a major offseason trade for an elite shooter in Desmond Bane, the team still ranks just 24th in three-pointers made, 23rd in three-point attempts, and 27th in three-point percentage.
Aside from injuries, the most concerning trend in Orlando may be the fact that this is the fourth consecutive season in which the Magic have been better when Paolo Banchero is off the court than when he's playing. That could be brushed aside for a young player -- he's only 23 -- but Orlando signed the former No. 1 overall pick to a rookie scale max extension last offseason. That deal is one reason why Orlando's payroll will become very expensive on July 1, when the new league year begins.
Lakers and Hawks should both have cap space this summer, so I could see them both being interested in Carter. To me, trading WCJ is the least worst of all their options.
It’s strange that Banchero has not developed at all. Something is off.
I’ve heard the explanation that he matured so early physically that he hasn’t had the natural improvement that other young players benefit from between 19-23 years old.
I’m curious what Magic fans say about it.
It’s the shooting touch and ball holding. Unfortunately right now the kid is often Melo without the accuracy. He needs to be more fluid and be money from his favorite spots on the floor. At this stage he’s good at getting his shot by holding the ball and not so good at making the shots that follow
Mgc 2, do you think he should be shooting less and attacking the rim more?
He should, especially since he has this Hardenesque ability to bring his arms out to get fouled. Higher % from the line and eliminating 3’s from his shot diet is an extra, efficient 5pts every night
What we often read lately on this and other media, are very negative and unfair comments about this young man’s (still only 23) performance with the Orlando Magic. Seems to some of us that reporters blame Banchero for ‘not being’ the franchise superstar they’ve expected, when most nights what he tries to do is almost everything for the Magic, a team that definitely lacks offensive manpower (and that includes the inconsistent contribution playing time from Desmond Bane). When healthy, he has proven to be the ‘go to guy’, but definitely he’s not a miracle worker.
The Magic’s starters have played together less than 20% of the time this year, so I’d say that’s their number one concern. Banchero’s an underrated defender. Their starters, when all together, are easily a top 5 defensive unit. Team defense is still their calling card, but they need their best team on the floor. Team consistency is a challenge when the lineup keeps changing. Now FWagner is out indefinitely and Suggs is again questionable. What a season.
Orlando needs to find a trade for Jalen Suggs as soon as possible. With the way Anthony Black is playing, it would be very foolish for Orlando to let him go and keep the always-injured Jalen Suggs, who is currently in a game-time decision against Phoenix today.