As the start of the 2024-25 NBA season quickly approaches, the Orlando Magic NBA fans and media will be keeping an eye on the Magic. They were one of the surprise teams of last year, ending their playoff drought and finishing in the top five of the Eastern Conference. Before the season begins, we’ll make our bold predictions for the Magic.

The Magic had a successful offseason, signing one of their franchise stars, Franz Wagner, to a contract extension. They also managed to land one of the top free agents on the market at 3&D wing. Kentavious Caldwell-Pape.

The Magic also have a slew of young players with untapped potential. Not to mention franchise star Paolo Banchero who is about to take the next step in his development. One of the key questions for the Magic is whether they can build on last season’s success and continue their trajectory as a promising contender in the East. Nevertheless, let’s get to our bold Magic predictions.

The Magic will have one of the best benches in the NBA this season

Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers small forward Furkan Korkmaz (30) in the fourth quarter at KIA Center.
Images by Jeremy Reper-Imagn

Looking at the Magic’s roster, they have two intriguing young players in Jett Howard and Anthony Black. Neither played a significant role in the Magic’s rotation last season, but both are loaded with talent and could be the reason the Magic take another leap forward.

Howard only played in 18 games as a rookie, but he’s coming off an impressive performance in the NBA Summer League. He scored 19 points on 50 percent shooting and 47.6 percent from three-point range. For a team that has struggled to consistently make three-pointers at times, Howard can help solve those problems. He can also function as an off-the-dribble creator.

Black has played more than Howard and was even able to make appearances as a starter in 33 games. Last season, he was very efficient with 46.6% shooting and 39.4% from three-point range. He is already a good defensive player, as well as a good ball handler and playmaker.

Both players will obviously have to prove they deserve to play in the rotation, ahead of some of their more experienced teammates. But they can raise the Magic’s ceiling exponentially. Expect them to have a strong camp and preseason and carry that momentum into the regular season.

Jonathan Isaac will be in the DPOY conversation

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) during the first quarter of Game 6 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
Images by Mike Watters-Imagn

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year and First Team Defensive Team awards seem to be reserved for the big guys. Even Alex Caruso I laughed when talking about the positions players from the first and second teams.

But if any guard/wing is going to challenge for the league’s top defender, it’s Jonathan Isaac. Isaac’s NBA career with the Magic has been marred by injuries, but he played 58 games last season. That’s the second-most games of his career and the most since the 2018-19 season, when he played 75 games.

Isaac led the NBA in defensive rating last season According to Nathaniel Marrero of Sports Illustrated, the Magic were second in the league in defensive rating with Isaac on the court. Simply put, the Magic are an elite defense when anchored by Isaac. His size and mobility allow him to defend multiple positions. And the team just locked him up long-term with a five-year contract extension.

Isaac will have a chance to shine this year, provided he stays healthy. If the Magic finish with a top seed in the East, expect voters to give him a serious look for the DPOY award.

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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s impact propels Magic into fourth place

Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) shoots the ball in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
Images by Ron Chenoy-Imagn

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was one of the top free agents available this offseason and his loss will impact the Denver Nuggets. But the Magic have a lot to gain from his arrival.

His impact on the 2020 Lakers and 2023 Nuggets on their run to the title cannot be overstated. He is the epitome of a star in his role. The Magic already had a top-tier defensive team, his perimeter prowess will only add to that. And his career 36.9% three-point shooting percentage will open up the floor for Banchero and Wagner to attack the basket.

Caldwell-Pope will be the Magic’s starting guard alongside Jalen Suggs. That duo alone has the potential to form the best defensive back line in the NBA. But Caldwell-Pope’s overall impact will be felt in the standings. The Magic’s bold predictions above, as well as this one, will see the Magic rise to at least first-round home-court advantage in the NBA Playoffs.

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