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4 things Orlando Magic fans want to see in the 35th anniversary season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 02: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at the Amway Center on April 02, 2023 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 James Gilbert/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 02: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at the Amway Center on April 02, 2023 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 James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

5 things Orlando Magic want to see in the 35th anniversary season

A Rebrand?

With all the talk of the throwback jerseys and the potential for new uniforms this offseason, then it would make sense that fans start to agitate once again for a bit of a brand refresh.

The Magic have worked with the same logo and jersey since the 2009 season. And while they are not necessarily bad — I described the new logo as the “mature” version of the Magic’s original wordmarks but it was also bereft of all personality, and the jerseys are trying to mash up the pinstriped everyone loves with a more modern look but is very much straight out of the late 2000s — they are not necessarily good.

Most Magic fans would probably say the original logo and jerseys (while probably out of place with modern fashion sensibilities but a great throwback and time capsule of their time) are perfection. It is hard to reach for that.

Magic CEO Alex Martins said a few years ago that a brand refresh was in the works. There is a process with the league to get new logos and jerseys approved. They do not just happen. So it would seem the Magic could be getting a refresh very soon.

It does not appear likely to be this year — Orlando is already introducing a special logo for the anniversary so they do not want a new overall logo to steal its thunder so to speak. But it definitely feels like time.

Even the jerseys probably need an update and a refresh. The Magic have historically defined their eras by a jersey change — changing jerseys shortly after Shaquille O’Neal left and changing jerseys again near the end of Tracy McGrady’s time with the team before changing jerseys again just as Dwight Howard and his team were growing int contention.

Now that the Magic have their new superstar in Paolo Banchero. It might be time to get a new fit (is that what the kids say?) to match the new era.

Maybe everyone should be careful what they wish for though. The latest trend in NBA uniforms has been for oversimplicity. The new uniform may end up actually pretty boring and lacking the flourishes everyone is looking for or the callbacks to history that everyone is demanding.