Magic Schedule Unveiled: How Many Wins?
The Orlando Magic has compiled a roster of college stars over the past few years, but haven't won much with them. Orlando's 32.5 win percentage over the last three seasons brings up the question "can they end the skid in 2023-24?"
Orlando is the NBA's fourth-youngest roster and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero is steering them in the right direction. Forward Franz Wagner and center Wendell Carter Jr. are also younger members of the Magic on the rise.
Orlando's young talent has led to a 37-45 record projection by Bleacher Report for next season. This win total would be the Magic's highest since 2018-19 (42-40). Nevertheless, Bailey could see the Magic winning a few more games.
"Considering the potential for improvement from each of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and one or two other members of the young core, a season-long stretch of above-.500 basketball wouldn't be surprising," Bleacher Report writes.
The Magic made a splash in the 2023 NBA Draft by selecting point guard Anthony Black and small forward Jett Howard within the first 11 picks. Both of them are hoping to make an instant impact in their rookie seasons as well, but neither are expected to start.
Bailey revealed that the Magic's depth, diverse play-styles and physique could be major factors to a surprisingly good season.
"The combination of size (Carter, Banchero and Wagner are all 6'10"), playmaking and scoring in this young core is unique. And getting enough shooting from Gary Harris, Joe Ingles and Cole Anthony around it could make Orlando one of the league's tougher defensive assignments," Bleacher Report writes. "A 40-plus-win season isn't out of the question.
One other question remains: Will the Magic's young talent be developed enough to win over 40 games in 2023-24?
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