NBA Power Rankings In 3 Years: Where's Magic?

The Orlando Magic's young core could lead to them being one of the best teams in the NBA in 2026.

ORLANDO - Few teams are better set up for success in the future than the Orlando Magic. 

With one of the best young duos in the league in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando may find itself among the NBA's elite if they continue to progress and live up to their potential. With Banchero and Wagner leading the way, Bleacher Report had Orlando at No. 13 in its ranking of teams three years from now.   

"Bumping the Orlando Magic into the top half of the league represents a huge vote of confidence in their young core, but the players in that group have earned it," Bleacher Report writes. "The optimism starts with Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, who have the potential to become one of the game's very best forward duos within the next three years."

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner representing the Orlando Magic against the Boston Celtics / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Wagner saw an increase in points (18.6) and assists (3.5) per game last season compared to his rookie year. Banchero had one of the greatest rookie seasons in recent memory, averaging 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. That stat line made Banchero the first rookie to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists since 2003, when LeBron James accomplished the feat.  

For as good as Banchero and Wagner can become, they won't be able to do it on their own now or in three years. They'll need someone else from their young core to emerge. Players like Anthony Black, Jett Howard and Jalen Suggs may be the difference in Orlando going from solid to elite. 

"If Orlando manages to re-sign Wendell Carter Jr. to another reasonable deal and one or two of Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black or Jett Howard turn out to be hits, the Magic will be in the playoff mix in 2026," Bleacher Report writes.

After being in the mix at the end of last season, Orlando's may be ready to elevate itself into the playoff picture. If they can do that, it'd be proof they're built for the long haul and can be a contender for years to come.