Magic Expectations: NBA Play-In or Playoffs?

What are realistic expectations for the Orlando Magic and Paolo Banchero in his second season?

ORLANDO - Coming off of a season where the Orlando Magic drafted Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, the expectation will be higher than ever for Orlando to succeed, but what does a realistic season look like?

Realistically, the Magic will get an All-Star season out of Banchero. Following a rookie season where he averaged 20 points per game and an offseason in which he’s been surrounded by veterans competing in the FIBA World Cup, it seems like a safe bet that he’ll be even more well-adjusted to the league in year two.

Franz Wagner averaged over 18 points last season and has proven himself to be a reliable scoring option throughout his career. He and Markelle Fultz, who’s coming off the best season in his career with 14 points and 5.7 assists, should be able to match their production from a season ago.

The deciding factor for Orlando will likely come down to how the organization handles its rookies and bench.

How far can reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero lead the Orlando Magic in his second season? / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Magic have added guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard, getting them minutes should be one of the organization’s top priorities.

However, the rookies’ fit looks questionable at best, considering that more established scoring guards such as Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Gary Harris.

Although the veteran guards have each been successful in different roles during their careers, for the sake of seeing what the team’s unlocking, the roster’s

the unknown potential has, they’ll need to trade and free up some minutes,

In a perfect world, Orlando manages to land a star by packaging their guards in a trade, but realistically, they swap their veteran guards for some vets in other positions that can help establish a culture.

Realistically, the Magic should be competing for a spot to play in the tournament and then likely getting eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs — still a significant improvement from a season ago.