'Playoffs or Bust' Next Year for Magic, Says Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic has missed three straight playoffs, but Paolo Banchero hopes to end that streak next season.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 27, 2023

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic isn't enjoying its view of the playoffs from the couch, and it's been the reality for three straight seasons.

But after a 12-win improvement, the most in the Eastern Conference this year, the Magic has its sights set on the postseason.

"Next year is playoffs or bust for me, for everyone," Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero said. "I know the way we've been talking to each other, that's all we're worried about."

With a strong nucleus headlined by Banchero, the Magic has a clear vision on its path towards the postseason. Along with Banchero, Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz among others, the Magic has a pair of potential lottery picks coming its way.

The strong foundation built in the past three years is not only setting the Magic up for success next season, but beyond as well. And Orlando hopes to become not just a flash in the pan, but a mainstay among the NBA contender tier.

"You definitely get that itch. It's my first year in the league, and it doesn't feel right that we're not in the playoffs," Banchero said. "I don't want to ever do this again."

If the Magic continues to improve and follow the guidelines the team set this year, Banchero and the rest of his Orlando teammates may not ever have to sit out of the playoffs again.

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Published Apr 27, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.