The young Orlando Magic bolstered their starting lineup with an important veteran this summer. How might this affect their position in the Eastern Conference standings for the 2024-25 season?
With the Sixers’ 2024-25 roster largely settled over a month before the start of a potentially transformative free agency, it’s time to assess their Eastern Conference rivals. Among last season’s Eastern playoff teams, which ones present the greatest challenges to the Sixers, and how do these teams stack up against this revamped squad.
Ranked fifth is a team with one of the league’s most promising young cores, which also added a key veteran to its roster this summer: the Orlando Magic.
The Magic used their substantial cap space to sign two-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, adding a crucial two-way wing to complete their starting lineup. They also renegotiated and extended Jonathan Isaac’s contract, increasing his 2024-25 salary and adding four more years at a total of $59 million, with incentives tied to his health. If Isaac stays healthy, this could become one of the most favorable contracts in the NBA; if not, the Magic face minimal repercussions for his departure.
Additionally, the team retained starting shooting guard Gary Harris, who is expected to come off the bench behind Caldwell-Pope next season. They also brought in quality backup big men Mo Wagner and Goga Bitadze, and secured a max extension for rising star Franz Wagner.
This is a solid team with depth as a significant advantage. They have numerous rotation-worthy players at every position, many of whom can easily shift roles and adapt their responsibilities based on the needs of specific stretches or games.
The most intriguing subplot within Magic circles could be the battle for the final wing rotation spot, a position that could be claimed by several players, including Black, da Silva, and Howard.
Matching Up with the Sixers
Like many teams, Orlando lacks a center who can consistently compete with Joel Embiid. However, they do have the perimeter defenders needed to potentially contain Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. Jalen Suggs has emerged as one of the top guard defenders in the NBA, making him a solid choice to guard Maxey. Jonathan Isaac and Franz Wagner are both capable of defending George, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Gary Harris can be rotated between the two three-level scorers throughout a game or series.
Orlando is well-positioned to pursue a star player if one becomes available via trade. They have a wealth of young players with significant trade value, several medium-sized contracts that could facilitate a trade, and an abundance of draft picks to seal a deal. Adding a high-level guard creator could be ideal, allowing Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero to excel in their optimal offensive roles without being overburdened. Both are already capable of handling major offensive responsibilities on a good team, but adding another elite scorer would provide them with more margin for error.
If Trae Young were to seek a trade from Atlanta, the Magic would be a strong fit, offering him the chance to lead the offense without creating a heliocentric dynamic. Orlando also has the defensive setup to mitigate Young’s weaknesses on that end. On a smaller scale, Portland’s Anfernee Simons could provide shot creation and shooting ability that would significantly enhance Orlando’s offense.
Ultimately, building around the talented wing creators Franz Wagner and Banchero is an excellent foundation.
For now, the Magic are not as talented as the Sixers and would likely be considered underdogs in a potential playoff matchup between the two teams. However, such a series could still be quite engaging.
