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2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Backup Center

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Nov 9, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic probably feel comfortable with four of their five starters. At least, if the team still believes it is a development outfit.

The combination of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter and Markelle Fultz feel like the core starters the team is building around. Everyone around the league anticipates the team looking to bolster the shooting guard position — thus the persistent rumors about players like Fred VanVleet, Jordan Poole and even Anfernee Simons.

Those are the big moves that could be out there if the Magic are looking to push some chips into the middle of the table.

Knowing this front office, they seem more likely to focus their offseason on shoring up depth. And that is truly a big need for the Magic even with solid bench options in Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs in two and several young players worth exploring like Caleb Houstan and Jonathan Isaac.

The Magic though have a concern they must address in a real way if they are truly determined to make the playoffs next season: Their backup center position.

The Orlando Magic’s biggest immediate positional need might be at backup center where the team has a lot of questions for how best to support and cover for Wendell Carter.

Carter is a solid option. He does a lot of the high-post decision-making the Magic want to see from the center in addition to his solid screening, shooting and rebounding that comes from him.

But he has not played more than 62 games in any season of his career. He played in only 57 games last year.

As things go, the Magic have to account for Carter missing 15-20 games if not more this season. That is not to say he will miss that time. But the Magic need to plan for it.

They flipped between Mo Bamba and Moe Wagner as the backup center last year and then Goga Bitadze after they dealt Bamba to the Los Angeles Lakers. While both Wagner and Bitadze had their moments and were admirable, this is an area where the Magic could use an upgrade since they need a starter-capable center at that spot.

While shooting is certainly the biggest skill need for this roster. Center and frontcourt depth might be the biggest positional need for the Magic this offseason. If they are looking to make trades or looking to spend big money on free agency, using it here could very well be the best use of their cap space this offseason.

The Magic might be able to cover the wing positions with internal growth from players like Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke and Caleb Houstan along with the versatility on the roster. There may not be any players who could take a big step up making backup center perhaps the biggest need this offseason.