Magic CEO Alex Martins Reveals Expectations for Season
It seems as if the entire Orlando Magic organization is ready to make a run at its first playoff appearance since 2020.
"My expectation is the same as the previous 34 years," Martins said. "Teams that put it all out on the floor, play well together, play hard together, and put on a great show for our fans. It's going to be an exciting season."
With another year of experience under their belts, the Magic's young core comes back with added rookie depth (Anthony Black and Jett Howard). Power forward Paolo Banchero is coming off a rookie of the year campaign, while small forward Franz Wagner just led his native Germany to a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
With two players to lead the team in Banchero and Wagner, their starting lineup rounds out with Wendell Carter Jr. at center, Markelle Fultz at the point, and at the two, it's still a battle between rookie Anthony Black, Jalen Suggs, or Gary Harris. No matter who starts, the Magic are assured to have plenty of backcourt depth, with Cole Anthony also sliding in to back up Fultz at the one.
Last season, the Magic were just seven games out of the play-in tournament, finishing 34-48 on the season. As is the norm with young, developing teams, they all but destined to improve record-wise in 2023-2024.
With Banchero and Wagner at the nucleus, the Magic look primed to build a true contender in the coming seasons, bringing back competitive playoff basketball to the city of Orlando.
