Exploring whether the Orlando Magic have done enough to be competitive in 2022-23.
Now that they have their foundational pieces in place, the Orlando Magic hope to get back in contention once again in the Eastern Conference. Equipped with one of the youngest cores in the NBA, head coach Jamahl Mosley looks to lead his squad back to respectability as they finished with the send-worst record in the league last season.
Having a dismal record will most likely result in a team drafting in the lottery. The Magic were fortunate enough to end up with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and many wondered which direction the franchise was willing to take as there were three players who were being considered to go first overall.
The Orlando Magic get a new start with a new star
There was Chet Holmgren, a 7-footer who is a good defender and shooter with the ability to develop into a volume scorer. Then, there was the sharp-shooting Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn who is capable of making tough shots at an elite level. Last but not least, there was Paolo Banchero from Duke who many had considered worthy of the No. 1 overall selection due to him being the most polished, NBA-ready prospect coming out of college.
Also, with Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Issac returning at full health gives the Magic the right mix of players in their prime years to go along with the young guys. The challenge Mosley faces is figuring out how to get everyone on board to buy-in to create a winning culture in Orlando.