The Orlando Magic are coming off a disappointing season that saw them regress in a big way. They went from the fifth seed in the East in 2024 to having to fight through the play-in to secure the seventh seed this past season.
Yes, the Magic had to deal with big injuries to their core players, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs all missing significant time. Orlando’s number one issue though was their offense.
If you look at any of the major offensive categories—points per game, field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, three-point makes, and offensive rating—you will find the Orlando Magic in the bottom five. Injuries played a role, but the reality is that this team is devoid of offensive players.
Orlando does have the assets to pursue upgrades thanks to their rebuild, and they need to take advantage with the Eastern Conference looking wide open again next season. Here are three things the Magic must accomplish this summer.
Magic move 3) Prioritize Anthony Black’s development
Black had a very up-and-down season this year. He showed flashes as a playmaker and scorer but wasn’t able to put together consistent stretches of basketball. When Orlando drafted him in 2023, he was one of the youngest players in the class and knew that he was raw. This offseason, they need to prioritize his development.
The Magic are lacking a true floor general, and as good as Suggs is, the Magic will reach their full potential with him as an off-ball guard (think Derrick White). Black though, has shown great potential as a ball handler and, with his 6’6” frame, can make life difficult for defenses with a polished offensive game due to his growing IQ, controlled handle, and size.
Post All-Star break, Black averaged about 10 points PPG, four rebounds, and three assists on 38 percent from three. His development as a playmaker would ease the offensive burden that Banchero and Wagner have and would add a new layer to Orlando’s offense. Black needs to make a year three leap.
Magic move 2) Extend Paolo Banchero
The Magic locked up Suggs and Wagner last offseason to big five year extensions. Now, it's time for them to extend their franchise player.
Banchero was well on his way to becoming an All-NBA player this season before an oblique injury cost him more than two months. He came back with a vengeance and averaged 29/8/4 in the playoffs. His scoring ability and his sheer size make him a matchup nightmare and he is only scratching the surface of how good he can be.
Banchero has a long way to go when it comes to his playmaking and efficiency, but the talent is there. The All-Star is far and away Orlando’s best player and signing him to his first max deal will be the easiest decision the Magic will make this offseason.
Magic move 1) Trade for a scoring guard
Orlando needs scoring in their backcourt badly. As I said above, Suggs is better off as an off-ball guard and while another step forward from Black would be helpful, that cannot be the Magic’s end all be all. They need a veteran floor general that can space the floor and playmake.
Orlando does have some options that they can consider this offseason. Signing veteran guard D’Angelo Russell to a short-term deal would give the Magic a veteran who has playoff experience, shoots the ball at a good clip, and is a playmaker. Russell averages six assists per game for his career and while he is coming off a down year, he is an upgrade over what Orlando currently has.
The Magic could also look to the trade market. Trae Young would obviously be the dream target, but one name that makes a lot of sense is Anfernee Simons. Simons has averaged 20 PPG two of the last three seasons and has shot 36 percent or better from three each of the last five seasons.
He has also grown as a playmaker, averaging over five assists over the last two years, and he does have some defensive deficiencies, but Orlando has one of the best defenses in the league, so they can afford to sacrifice some defense for the offense Simons brings.