ORLANDO –– Roster continuity is a good thing in the long run, concludes an ESPN article, and a ranking of the 30 NBA teams places the Orlando Magic in second place.
Over the past few years, Orlando has closely followed a plan focused on development and playing experience to help its young players develop. The Magic’s strategy has resulted in success that appears likely to be replicated in the years to come.
As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But for a decade, despite regular tweaks, the Magic were broken.
Fifteen seasons ago, the Magic played in the Eastern Conference Finals, a year after the franchise’s second attempt at the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Dwight Howard was the greatest defender in basketball history. The Magic seemed like a regular in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
But the 2009-10 season was when the Magic won their last playoff series. In the span of three years, Orlando went from 59 wins to last place in the East Division. Coach Stan Van Gundy was gone, and between the 2012-13 and 2018-19 seasons, four head coaches also came and went.
Bad draft luck and makeshift trades further buried the franchise and the Magic sat last in the East for most of the 2010s.
To change the team’s fortunes, Orlando developed a longer-term vision to turn things around. In May 2017, Jeff Weltman was hired as president of basketball operations and was tasked with digging the Magic out of the mud.
Orlando embarked on another rebuild, but this time with direction. Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, among others, were sent elsewhere with the intention of using the draft capital to build a new, younger core.
The draft brought Cole Anthony (2020), Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner (2021), as well as Paolo Banchero (2022). In just three seasons, the Magic have laid the foundation for a new era. Jamahl Mosley, hired three years ago, has given Orlando a young head coach who is up to the task.
In three seasons, a chronic loser became the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. NBA Observers rate the Magic as a contender in the Eastern Conference. The plan is working.
Nine of the Magic’s players on the roster for the 2024-25 NBA season came to Orlando via the draft — all during Weltman’s tenure. Many others, via trade or free agency, have been with the Magic for multiple consecutive years, such as Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris.
According to ESPN’s report, the Magic are getting the second-best minutes share and fourth-best win share since the 2021-22 season. Only one team is getting more playing time and production when paired (Houston), and the Magic are ahead of Boston, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Houston, like Orlando, has a core of interesting young players and a promising prospect. The NBA champion Celtics and Thunder are older than the Magic’s players, but each team went through growing pains before making the run.
Their success clarifies the Magic’s formula: While everyone else’s impatience often leads to short-term decisions, belief in the long-term game might prove correct.
If the two teams at the helm of their respective conferences have found success by waiting and trusting in their development, why not Orlando?
The budding superstar is here Paolo Banchero. Franz Wagner is Robin for his Batman, and Jalen suggests“His emergence as a key third contributor has been a welcome sight as the Magic hope to repeat the feat this season. And it doesn’t stop there.
Winning teams must be deeper and more multifaceted in today’s NBA.
The Magic’s supporting cast will include a second year of Anthony Black – the 6th overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Summer League numbers posted by Tristan da Silvathe 18th pick in 2024, suggests an immediate contribution off the bench. Jonathan Isaaca defender from another world, has been extended until 2029.
Above all, the Magic’s improvement justifies the return of a large part of the roster without drastic changes. The signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope does not slow the progression of young talent but rather accelerates the timetable for Orlando to become a serious player in the East.
Team chemistry abounds as a collective learns to play together, experiencing the ups and downs of the NBA marathon and bringing out the best in each individual.
Short-term solutions often lead to long-term problems. The Magic’s patient approach could usher in a golden age for basketball in Orlando.
Follow ‘Orlando Magic on SI” on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic Beat journalist Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliamsAlso add our bookmark home page to never miss a story.
