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3 goals for the Orlando Magic to make their focus in 2023

By Luke Duffy

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic congratulates Franz Wagner #22 while Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics stands on the court during the game at TD Garden on December 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic congratulates Franz Wagner #22 while Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics stands on the court during the game at TD Garden on December 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

3 goals for the Orlando Magic in 2023

1. Continuing aiming for the play-in tournament

The last two games have been disappointing, and closing out the year against the Washington Wizards is an important moment for the Magic. Two teams next to each other in the standings, making this a proverbial “six-pointer” for the organization.

Whether the Wizards decide to blow it up and attempt to get a high lottery pick, we can all agree that when the Magic are rolling. They are too good to be as bad as the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Charlotte Hornets.

We should add the Detroit Pistons in there as well, but having beaten the Orlando Magic twice this season they appear to have their number. So aiming for the still achievable play-in has to be the goal here, so that this young group can gain valuable experience and maybe one day attract a star.

Even if they fail, they will still have a lottery pick of some kind, as well as the protected top-four pick coming from the Chicago Bulls as part of their disastrous Nikola Vucevic trade. This front office has drafted extremely well with the picks they have been given, nailing the Wagner selection with the eighth pick last year.

They picked up Chuma Okeke with the 16th pick in 2019, far from a bust, and identified distressed assets in Markelle Fultz and Bol Bol and brought them to Orlando for less than they are worth now.

Next. Magic's success based on lineup stability. dark

Another high lottery pick would be great, but the truth is the Magic will be fine wherever they land, because this front office has constantly steered them in the right direction. So they should continue aiming for the play-in and beyond in 2023 because they have the talent to do this.