3 reasonable expectations for the Orlando Magic next season

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 13: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Amway Center on March 13, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

3 reasonable expectations for the Orlando Magic

1. Play-in Contention

Competing for the Play-In Tournament seems like the logical next step for teams that are rebuilding.

It is not an insurmountable leap in the win column that getting the 6th seed might be. Instead, teams need to hover around the .500 mark and win right around 43 games to get the 10th seed.

Last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers were in a very similar position the Orlando Magic are in right now. In 2021, they won 22 games and ended up doubling their win total in 2022 to make the eighth seed. They drafted a Rookie of the Year candidate in Evan Mobley who transformed their defense and the young Darius Garland turned himself into an All-Star.

It is not hard to envision the Magic getting a similar impact rookie and finding another star on their roster to take the team to that next level.

If the Magic doubled their win total they would finish with the same amount of wins as the Cavaliers which would easily put them into play-in contention.

That is certainly easier said than done but the Magic have plenty going for them to make that kind of jump in the upcoming season.

Next season, Franz Wagner will look to take the next step.

Last year, Wagner was a pleasant surprise averaging 15.2 points and 4.5 boards per game while shooting 35.4-percent from three. He also played 79 games. For Magic fans, that was a welcomed surprise considering how many injuries the team has faced the last two seasons.

Health has been the decisive story for the Magic the last two years, killing any potential playoff runs in the cradle. To be sure, the Magic’s potential for success and the Play-In Tournament will depend on staying healthy.

There was just so much talent sitting on the bench recovering from injury at any one time. Orlando rarely played at anything resembling full strength.

Jalen Suggs had a disappointing rookie season last year. A lot of those frustrations were his struggles but he also missed 34 games with a thumb injury and then an ankle injury. He is recovering now from offseason ankle surgery — and appears to be back on the court.

But if he can stay healthy, a full season of adjusting to the NBA game will give him an opportunity to show what everybody once thought he could do.

That is two second-year lottery players who have the potential to make a difference. Both could also be in the starting lineup during the season opener.

Markelle Fultz only played 18 games last year as he returned from a torn ACL after the All-Star Break. His impact was clear.

Fultz running the show allows the offense to run much smoother. With him out there, Orlando has a veteran ball handler and natural distributor of the ball.

Jonathan Isaac missed the entire season last year recovering from his own torn ACL. He should be back for the start of the season and that should offer a jolt of energy. Especially on defense.

The Magic re-signed Mo Bamba in the offseason too. He had his best season as a pro last year and coach Jamahl Mosley has found a way to get him more minutes on the court.

Even with Isaac coming back Mosley should be able to keep Bamba on the floor.

The 2023 Magic are comprised of young depth. And Wendell Carter, the Magic’s best player from last season has not even been mentioned yet.

Carter is coming off of a career season, where he averaged a double-double and was versatile enough to play with different big men in the front court.

And last but not least, Paolo Banchero enters the fold. As the number one overall pick and most pro-ready prospect, he should make an immediate impact.

With all of these pieces coming together, it is not unreasonable to expect a big leap this season. And with the goal to be just above 40 wins, it is possible the Magic could make the Play-In Tournament.