SANFORD, Fla. –– The Orlando Magic’s offensive struggles in recent years are now a well-documented phenomenon.

“It was no secret that we struggled with three-point shooting last year,” said Wendell Carter Jr., taking a break from his “Flight 34” event hosted by his foundation, A Platform Squared.

The Magic, who are on the verge of becoming a potential contender, have the defensive pedigree to stay in contention against any team they face. While the young core is developing offensively, production still lags behind their competition.

But more important than acknowledging the problem is working to fix it. In Orlando’s case this summer, that’s exactly what the Magic did.

The Magic signed two-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a well-honed three-and-out defender who fits the bill as both a solid perimeter defender and a valuable shooting threat. With a three-year, $66 million contract in free agency, Orlando landed one of the most sought-after pieces available this summer to help elevate its current core without moving any of the key pieces.

They’re likely to be slotted into the opening-day starting five alongside Jalen Suggs in the Magic’s backcourt. Time will tell if this is the only move the Magic need to make to get out of the bottom of the offensive rankings, a position they’ve found themselves in each of the last 12 seasons. If not, they’re still well-positioned to make other moves to find more scoring creativity throughout the year.

But given the package Caldwell-Pope is offering, his addition is highly anticipated at all levels of the organization.

“I think this is probably the biggest move of the offseason for an NBA team,” Carter said. “He’s a guy who brings experience and a three-point shooter. He’s been to the playoffs, he’s won championships.”

    Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5), then goalie for the Denver Nuggets.

June 12, 2023; Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) celebrates after winning the 2023 NBA championship against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena. / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Experience beyond the 82-game regular season is valuable for the Magic, who made their first playoff trip in four seasons in 2023-24. Trading haymakers in slow, low-scoring slugfests with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando lost in seven games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Finding a three-time shooter over 40 percent from long range, with multiple playoff appearances and two rings to show for his work is already a gauntlet on paper. But to the surprise of Carter, who knows the downfall of his game has always been his health problemsCaldwell-Pope’s reliable availability is another valuable asset that his game promotes.

During his 11 years in the NBA, Caldwell-Pope appeared in at least 67 regular-season games every year and only played less than 20 minutes per night in one season (19.8 in his rookie season with Detroit).

“His durability is something I didn’t really know,” Carter continued. “It just shows that he’s a guy that’s going to give his all and help his team win, no matter what team he’s on. So I think he’s a great addition.”

“It’s going to make scoring baskets a lot easier.”

He won titles alongside all-time greats Nikola Jokic and LeBron James, and played 62 postseason games for three different teams. He built his career on becoming a star in his role, and few players have shone as brightly in such settings as Caldwell-Pope.

Now, with its sights set high and the season ahead, Orlando hopes to become the fourth playoff contender KCP has been a part of in pursuit of new heights for this era of Magic basketball.

“I’m still chasing the title,” Caldwell-Pope told reporters after being introduced by his new team earlier this summer. “That was one of my thoughts … seeing their progress, they made the playoffs, taking Cleveland to a seventh game. That was enough for me. They got a little taste of that pressure and what it takes to get past the first round. I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

That would mean increased offensive efficiency and either a slight drop in defensive efficiency or none at all. Given Orlando’s impressive defensive performance, a trade-off between offense and defense might not be the worst thing that could happen.

But given Caldwell-Pope’s on-court abilities, that conversation may be unfounded. With Carter’s words likely speaking to the majority of the Magic’s feelings toward him, KCP may well check all the boxes. After all, that’s what’s typically expected of those considered the league’s top offseason signings.

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