Paolo Banchero didn’t say anything new on stage at Fanatics Fest last weekend when he spoke to First Take.
Several Orlando Magic players said in the aftermath of their Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that the season has made it clear that their goal should be to get home-court advantage. Given their proximity to the first round and home-court advantage last year, they know they can do it.
Paolo Banchero made this point to Stephen A. Smith and Chris Russo. The Magic were among the best teams in the East last year. They’ve already done what they had to do, even if they fell short in the end.
Orlando has long been the quiet contender in the Eastern Conference. The Magic remain the team no one talks about, perhaps because they have been so far from the national spotlight.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s arrival to the Magic will be a major difference maker with his solid defense and three-point shooting. Orlando has improved this offseason from a talent standpoint, though there are still unmet needs and young players the team hopes will take the next steps in their careers.
Orlando is still a young team. They still have a lot to learn. But the Magic showed in the 2024 season what they are capable of and how close they are to reaching their immense potential.
For now, oddsmakers still have doubts about the Magic. That’s largely because Orlando has to prove itself again. The Magic have yet to establish a consistent resume. A big part of this season is proving that the Magic can do it again.
We are confident that they are capable of it and that they can continue to build and grow.
So what will it take for the Magic to deliver on their promise? Banchero reiterated that the Magic are confident they can compete with the best in the Eastern Conference this season. But to do that, some big things will have to happen in the Magic’s favor.
