22
Sep
Team Profile
Orlando Magic: Five things you need to know
Orlando Magic are a a young, rising Eastern Conference playoff team
- Rising young core led by 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero
- Return to playoffs in 2024 after years of rebuilding
- Historically notable for Shaq/Penny and Dwight Howard eras
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team who play out of the state of Florida in the National Basketball Association's Southeast division. Home to some of the NBA’s most exciting young talent, the Magic are in the stages of building a competitive Eastern Conference contender. In just under 30 years of existence, the Magic have fielded unforgettable teams whose success has culminated in the franchises two Finals appearances in 1995 and 2009.
2024-25 NBA Season Summary
- Record: 41-41
- Finish: 7th seed (Lost in first round)
- All-Star Selections: N/A
This season the Orlando Magic weren't able to build on the benchmark set from last season, crashing out in the first round to the Boston Celtics in five games. The Magic's season was a tale of two halves, boasting the regular season's best ranked defence but the third worst offence. The defence was the anchor for everything great that happened this season for the Magic, carrying it into the postseason where the Magic held the Celtics to score sub 110 on four of five occasions. By contrast their offence were only able to reach 100 points on one occasion, with their worst showing 86 points.
Offseason Moves
Re-signings
- Paolo Banchero agrees to 5-year extension
- Moe Wagner agrees to 1-year deal
Additions
- Desmond Bane joins via trade with Grizzlies
- Tyus Jones agrees to 1-year deal
Departures
- Cole Anthony departs via trade with Grizzlies
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departs via trade with Grizzlies
- Gary Harris departs in free agency to Bucks
Going into the offseason, the Magic front office had one thing in mind, rejuvenating their substandard offence. The two offseason additions address that problem, with Desmond Bane’s offensive production a necessary upgrade on the previous starting guard position held by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Despite giving up quality assets, acquiring Bane reflects the team’s desire to rise quickly in the East especially with the Pacers and Celtics expected to decline.
The addition of Tyus Jones is another great addition with the team gaining a ball handler who can generate shots and bring a new life of energy into the Magic’s second unit. As direct replacements for the departing Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Gary Harris, Bane and Jones put the Magic in a greater position to tackle Eastern Conference opposition and serve as a catalyst for offensive improvement.
The best business completed this offseason came from the re-signing of Paolo Banchero to a five-year deal. Coming off the back of a season in which the young star averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, the Magic have guaranteed the future of one of the brightest young talents in the league.
Constructing a roster with the absence of any players over the age of 30, the Magic clearly lack some veteran leadership. What Paolo’s contract does is provide a catalyst for the former number one overall pick to grow into a leadership role, with his long-term presence a huge factor in the franchises hopes.
2025/26 Predicted Lineup
- Point Guard: Jalen Suggs
- Shooting Guard: Desmond Bane
- Small Forward: Franz Wagner
- Power Forward: Paolo Banchero
- Centre: Wendell Carter Jr
Australians who have played for the Orlando Magic
Joe Ingles: Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Ingles signed with the Orlando Magic in July 2023. Known for his sharpshooting and playmaking abilities, he has been a valuable veteran presence on the team.
History of the Orlando Magic
As one of four expansion franchises who joined the league in 1989, the Magic became the first ever major sports franchise based in Orlando. Their early years in the league were very poor, accumulating a total win percentage of .339 in their opening four seasons.
The Magic's greatest eras came in the mid-1990s with Shaq and Penny, culminating in the 1995 NBA Finals appearance, and the late 2000s with Dwight Howard leading them to the 2009 Finals. While never winning a championship, the Magic have fielded several iconic teams and players over their history.
Since their fairytale trip to the NBA Finals in 2009, the Magic have been on a period of decline, with the 2010s proving one of the darkest periods for the franchise. At the start of the 2020’s the Magic have built a strong playoff contending team that has been reinvigorated by their number one draft pick Paolo Banchero. The side has recently hit a plateau, constantly getting bounced out of the first round of the playoffs. The team is searching for that extra inspiration and finesse to help them break from this period of playoff disappointment.
Identity
The Magic have gone through different eras defined by star players, from the early Shaquille O'Neal/Penny Hardaway years to the Dwight Howard-led teams of the late 2000s. After years of rebuilding, they are now emerging as a young playoff team built around 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.
Orlando's playing style under head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasises defence, athleticism and developing their young core. The team culture focuses on player development and building a sustainable contender through the draft and savvy trades. Their most recent season saw the side boast the best defence in the league holding opposition to an average of 105.5 points per game.
Five Fast Facts
- Founded in 1989 as an expansion team
- Have made two NBA Finals appearances (1995, 2009)
- Drafted Shaquille O'Neal 1st overall in 1992
- Won eight division titles, most recently in 2019
- Current core built around 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero
Club Timeline
- 1989: Franchise founded as expansion team
- 1992: Draft Shaquille O'Neal 1st overall
- 1995: First NBA Finals appearance, lose to Houston Rockets
- 2004: Draft Dwight Howard 1st overall
- 2009: Second NBA Finals appearance, lose to Los Angeles Lakers
- 2022: Draft Paolo Banchero 1st overall
- 2024: Return to playoffs as 5th seed in East
The Orlando Magic have boosted their lacklustre offence for the upcoming season through the acquisitions of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones. After a period of continued first round exits, the Magic are hungry to find the drive to advance their hopes in the postseason. Harbouring the best defensive unit in the league, the Magic are a shoo-in to qualify for the playoffs this season and may be a team to overachieve this season.
