The Orlando Magic are coming off their best season in years, finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record. They pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs, ultimately falling short but showing immense promise for the future.
Led by young star Paolo Banchero, who continues to improve year after year, the Magic are emerging as one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. With a mix of rising talent and smart veteran additions, the Magic are poised to continue their ascent in the Eastern Conference.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Jalen Suggs
Reserves: Anthony Black, Cory Joseph, Trevelin Queen
Jalen Suggs has embraced his role as a defensive stalwart and improving offensive player. In his third season, Suggs averaged 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He has developed into one of the premier 3-and-D guards in the league, showcasing his defensive versatility and ability to knock down perimeter shots. Suggs’ progression on offense, combined with his tenacious defense, makes him a vital piece for the Magic’s future success.
Anthony Black, the Magic’s lottery pick from 2023, will back up Suggs. Black brings size, defensive intensity, and playmaking to the second unit. Cory Joseph provides veteran experience and leadership, while Trevelin Queen will offer additional depth.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Reserves: Cole Anthony, Caleb Houstan, Mac McClung
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion, joins the Magic as their biggest offseason acquisition. Known for his 3-and-D skill set, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season with the Denver Nuggets while shooting an efficient 46.0% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range. His championship pedigree and perimeter defense will add much-needed experience and stability to the young Magic roster. Caldwell-Pope’s shooting ability will help space the floor for the team’s core players.
Cole Anthony, one of the key young talents on the roster, will continue to provide scoring punch off the bench. Last season, Anthony averaged 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 43.5% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. Caleb Houstan and Mac McClung will offer additional depth and could see minutes depending on matchups.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Franz Wagner
Reserves: Gary Harris, Jett Howard, Javonte Smart, Ethan Johnson
Franz Wagner is emerging as a star in his own right alongside Paolo Banchero. After a breakout season, the Magic rewarded Wagner with a five-year rookie max extension worth up to $270 million. Wagner averaged 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Although his three-point shooting dipped last season (28%), Wagner’s ability to score in various ways, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him one of the most valuable young wings in the NBA. His partnership with Banchero will be key to the Magic’s continued growth.
Gary Harris provides veteran leadership and three-point shooting off the bench, while rookie Jett Howard, a lottery pick in 2023, will look to establish himself as a versatile wing with scoring potential. Javonte Smart and Ethan Johnson offer further depth at the small forward position.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Paolo Banchero
Reserves: Jonathan Isaac, Tristan Da Silva, Jarrett Culver
Paolo Banchero, the 2023 Rookie of the Year and franchise cornerstone, has quickly become one of the league’s most promising young stars. Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game last season while shooting 45.5% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range. His ability to score from all areas of the floor, create for others, and impact the game on both ends has drawn comparisons to a modern-day Carmelo Anthony. Banchero’s continued development will be crucial as he leads the Magic back into contention.
Jonathan Isaac, when healthy, remains one of the best defenders in the league and provides elite rim protection and versatility off the bench. However, injuries have hampered his availability, so the Magic will hope for a fully healthy season from him. Tristan Da Silva and Jarrett Culver add depth to the power forward rotation.
Center (C)
Starter: Wendell Carter Jr.
Reserves: Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, Jalen Slawson
Wendell Carter Jr. continues to be a solid, reliable option in the middle for the Magic. Last season, Carter averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting an efficient 52.5% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor while providing rim protection and rebounding has made him an integral part of Orlando’s frontcourt alongside Banchero. Carter’s continued improvement will be key to the Magic’s success, especially in matchups against elite centers.
Moritz Wagner, Franz’s brother, brings toughness, scoring, and hustle off the bench, while Goga Bitadze adds additional depth in the frontcourt. Jalen Slawson rounds out the center rotation and could compete for minutes depending on injuries and matchups.
The Orlando Magic have built one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. With smart offseason additions like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who brings championship experience and perimeter defense, the Magic have addressed some key needs as they look to take the next step in their development. Jalen Suggs continues to evolve as a premier 3-and-D guard, while Wendell Carter Jr. anchors the middle with his two-way play.
The Magic’s mix of young talent and veteran leadership makes them a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference. With continued growth from their core and a full season of health, the Magic could be in line for another playoff berth—and potentially a deeper run this time around. While they’re still a few steps away from contending for a championship, the foundation is in place, and Orlando will be a team to watch in the coming years.
They have the potential to surprise many teams this season, and if their young stars continue to develop, the Magic could be one of the most formidable squads in the East.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
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