NBA Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand after the draft, free agency
23. Orlando Magic
Key offseason move: Signed Joe Ingles, drafted Anthony Black
After being rumored to be one of the teams that could potentially make a big splash in free agency (most commonly being linked to Fred VanVleet), the Orlando Magic decided to take a more patient approach. Instead of making a big win-now splash, the Magic elected to trust their internal development. With two first-round lottery picks, the Magic continued to add to their talented young core. Orlando drafted Anthony Black and Jett Howard with their two lottery picks.
What this team should be most excited about heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, though, is the continued development of NBA Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero. The average fan may not know his name yet but that will quickly change over the next couple of seasons. It appears the Magic has their next franchise player in Banchero and he’s only going to make life easier for the front office.
I’m not sure how good the Magic will be this season and they’re probably another year or two away from being a playoff contender in the East, but they’re certainly a team to keep an eye on.