How can this team turn from a Playoff team to Championship Contention?

[Mc-o]

If 3 point shooting increases , the magic will have a chance this year to win . Their defense is that good and the only thing holding offense back is 3 point shooting if Wendell Paola and Franz all have a career
3 point shooting season , the magic could win the east and maybe win it all

[p0peye]

When was the last time a team won the title without having All-NBA player on its roster?

[drsd]

If 3 point shooting increases , the magic will have a chance this year to win . Their defense is that good and the only thing holding offense back is 3 point shooting if Wendell Paola and Franz all have a career
3 point shooting season , the magic could win the east and maybe win it all

WHen my inner Homer speaks, he says, "if the Magic can get to league average in 3PA and in 3P%, this team will win 60 games and be in the Eastern Finals."

Of course the real me then reminds my inner-Homer that that is an increase in 4.1 3PA and an increase in 3P% by 1.5%. It is hard to swallow that such improvements can be had. But maybe.

BTW: if the Magic made those increases and with no other changes to scoring (notably no decline in FTAs; unrealistic), the Magic's scoring goes up by 1.94 ppg with no other improvements required. Last year that would have taken the Magic to the 3-seed in the East (based on going +2.0 to +4.0 in scoring differential). All alone as two single stat lines!

[Last Guardian]

Can't stress enough Paolo not turning it over would be huge for the team. Yes we need to shoot a better %, but we really need to not waste possessions. And don't get so frustrated....make a mistake, then make a play. Getting more mature I guess is what I'm saying.

[Knightro]

When was the last time a team won the title without having All-NBA player on its roster?

Been a very long time.

The 1989 Pistons were the last championship winning team to not have a single All-NBA player.

[p0peye]

When was the last time a team won the title without having All-NBA player on its roster?

Been a very long time.

The 1989 Pistons were the last championship winning team to not have a single All-NBA player.

Right, that answers the question how to really become championship contender. We got two max contracts on our roster, surely they are All NBA material.

[drsd]

..

[drsd]

Right, that answers the question how to really become championship contender. We got two max contracts on our roster, surely they are All NBA material.

The new All-NBA system now selects the best 15 players overall, regardless of position. Currently, most rankings place Paolo Banchero around the 20th-best player in the league. So, if the Magic win 50+ games and Banchero plays at least 70 games, he could be on the cusp of making an All-NBA team.

There’s a lot of buzz about him achieving this, but for it to happen, two key things need to align: (i) a star like Curry, Durant, or LeBron James would likely need to miss time due to injury (freeing up a spot), and (ii) the Magic would need to have a strong season in win totals.

Looking at Banchero's O/U betting lines for stat projections—25.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds—he's in the mix. For comparison, last year Anthony Davis averaged 24.1/2.5/10.6, Domantas Sabonis went 19.4/8.2/12.7, and Kevin Durant posted 27.1/5.0/6.6, showing Banchero is close to their level.

[p0peye]

Right, that answers the question how to really become championship contender. We got two max contracts on our roster, surely they are All NBA material.

The new All-NBA system now selects the best 15 players overall, regardless of position. Currently, most rankings place Paolo Banchero around the 20th-best player in the league. So, if the Magic win 50+ games and Banchero plays at least 70 games, he could be on the cusp of making an All-NBA team.

There’s a lot of buzz about him achieving this, but for it to happen, two key things need to align: (i) a star like Curry, Durant, or LeBron James would likely need to miss time due to injury (freeing up a spot), and (ii) the Magic would need to have a strong season in win totals.

Looking at Banchero's O/U betting lines for stat projections—25.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds—he's in the mix. For comparison, last year Anthony Davis averaged 24.1/2.5/10.6, Domantas Sabonis went 19.4/8.2/12.7, and Kevin Durant posted 27.1/5.0/6.6, showing Banchero is close to their level.

Damn, doc. Don't you just love numbers?

To be clear, I have hopes for Paolo and Franz that they may get there. For a real contender and possibly a title, one of them need to become perennial All NBA player.

[JoshuaPotter]

We aren't top heavy enough to consolidate talent even further which is usually key to championships. Also there is still way too much murkiness between 7-12 man in the rotation. An argument could made for any player getting playing time.

[MasterGMer]

Let me ask an unpopular question: How good should we realistically expect Franz to be this season for us to take that next step?

IMO, Franz improvement and AB's play is going to largely decide the ceiling of this team this season. Why?

AB was merely a 3 and D player last season. He was drafted for his playmaking largely on offense. First of all, we didn't see that much last season. And my most realistic expectation for AB early in the season is to make the rotation. But he is still young and he is just second year into his professional career. I think he is a very big part of Magic's future tbh. His improvement will be a huge addition to the ambition of this year's team growth towards our future. And AB should be a big reason for optimism for that reason

Then, Franz. Franz should be expected sometime in his early career to be an All Star. And that shouldn't be his ceiling. He could be even better. He is already one of the best player with ball in his hands attacking the hoop. Plus he is a very good defender. Of course, he is the second option on this team. His development will largely benefit this team's future.

Of course, I know Orlando is a young team. But because of last season's surge, we moved into playoff contention and we should at least expect that to happen this season. But lots need to happen before we are Eastern Conference Contention even NBA Championship contention.

The steps right now is still internal development and growth. We shouldn't expect us to make an all in move to acquire some sort of Jure Holiday or Porzingis like Boston did last season. Is that going to come? IDK. But I just wish we are ahead of our curve and the sky is the limit will be for this team!

[Knightro]

Let me ask an unpopular question: How good should we realistically expect Franz to be this season for us to take that next step?

IMO, Franz improvement and AB's play is going to largely decide the ceiling of this team this season. Why?

AB was merely a 3 and D player last season. He was drafted for his playmaking largely on offense. First of all, we didn't see that much last season. And my most realistic expectation for AB early in the season is to make the rotation. But he is still young and he is just second year into his professional career. I think he is a very big part of Magic's future tbh. His improvement will be a huge addition to the ambition of this year's team growth towards our future. And AB should be a big reason for optimism for that reason

Then, Franz. Franz should be expected sometime in his early career to be an All Star. And that shouldn't be his ceiling. He could be even better. He is already one of the best player with ball in his hands attacking the hoop. Plus he is a very good defender. Of course, he is the second option on this team. His development will largely benefit this team's future.

Of course, I know Orlando is a young team. But because of last season's surge, we moved into playoff contention and we should at least expect that to happen this season. But lots need to happen before we are Eastern Conference Contention even NBA Championship contention.

The steps right now is still internal development and growth. We shouldn't expect us to make an all in move to acquire some sort of Jure Holiday or Porzingis like Boston did last season. Is that going to come? IDK. But I just wish we are ahead of our curve and the sky is the limit will be for this team!

Anthony Black is not anywhere close to being a huge factor in this team's success this year. He's just not.

The biggest factor for this team's success this season is Paolo and Franz attempting more three and making threes at higher percentages than last year.

The second biggest factor is decreasing turnovers.

[MasterGMer]

Let me ask an unpopular question: How good should we realistically expect Franz to be this season for us to take that next step?

IMO, Franz improvement and AB's play is going to largely decide the ceiling of this team this season. Why?

AB was merely a 3 and D player last season. He was drafted for his playmaking largely on offense. First of all, we didn't see that much last season. And my most realistic expectation for AB early in the season is to make the rotation. But he is still young and he is just second year into his professional career. I think he is a very big part of Magic's future tbh. His improvement will be a huge addition to the ambition of this year's team growth towards our future. And AB should be a big reason for optimism for that reason

Then, Franz. Franz should be expected sometime in his early career to be an All Star. And that shouldn't be his ceiling. He could be even better. He is already one of the best player with ball in his hands attacking the hoop. Plus he is a very good defender. Of course, he is the second option on this team. His development will largely benefit this team's future.

Of course, I know Orlando is a young team. But because of last season's surge, we moved into playoff contention and we should at least expect that to happen this season. But lots need to happen before we are Eastern Conference Contention even NBA Championship contention.

The steps right now is still internal development and growth. We shouldn't expect us to make an all in move to acquire some sort of Jure Holiday or Porzingis like Boston did last season. Is that going to come? IDK. But I just wish we are ahead of our curve and the sky is the limit will be for this team!

Anthony Black is not anywhere close to being a huge factor in this team's success this year. He's just not.

The biggest factor for this team's success this season is Paolo and Franz attempting more three and making threes at higher percentages than last year.

The second biggest factor is decreasing turnovers.

I understand. Maybe I haven't phrased my opinion well enough. It is not the biggest. (Of course, Paolo and Franz are going to be the biggest factor of the success of the team this year.) My point is more like the X Factor or the biggest change from this year from last year to not only impact winning on the floor but also change the outlook for the team in the long run.

In this perspective, I do think AB's development will impact a lot of this team in the upcoming years.

Yes, I agree with you, I only expect and hope AB would be in the rotation as regular season comes. But I want to see growth in his play and make an impact

[drsd]

ESPN predicts a 43 win season, and if "Paolo Banchero takes the next step", then 45 wins.

What a joke. Reasonably assuming F-Wagner and Banchero will be more efficient on offense, that the Magic will take and make more threes, and still continue to be an elite defensive team, all simple predictions, this team wins more than 45 games.

And let's go to extremes, I think this roster is more likely to win 60 games than 40 (or less). (of course they won't but it emphasizes my point).

Orlando is now better than mediocre. Will the team contend this year? No. But it will compete every night.

Here's my bold prediction: Orlando will lose by 10 (or more) in less than 10 games.
For perspective, last year the Magic lost 19 games by 10-or more. And the Celts lost 5 such games.
"Never" being blown out will show real growth for this roster. That's what I see as a goal this season.

[Knightro]

I understand. Maybe I haven't phrased my opinion well enough. It is not the biggest. (Of course, Paolo and Franz are going to be the biggest factor of the success of the team this year.) My point is more like the X Factor or the biggest change from this year from last year to not only impact winning on the floor but also change the outlook for the team in the long run.

In this perspective, I do think AB's development will impact a lot of this team in the upcoming years.

Yes, I agree with you, I only expect and hope AB would be in the rotation as regular season comes. But I want to see growth in his play and make an impact

Down the road I agree that Black *could* become a big factor.

But he's still just 20 years old and still needs a lot of seasoning/development.

I like his potential, but I feel like he's a long way off from being a major contributor to winning.

[VFX]

I think what others are saying is that in order for Orlando to be in true contention, that their asset pool of talent needs to become more than what they have shown to an exponential degree relative to their draft position.

Not only in terms of contribution on the court, but in terms of asset value for potential trades down the road.

Orlando has spent a lot of draft capital to build this roster. Paolo, Franz, Suggs have met or exceeded expectations at this point. AB and Jett will need to at the very least meet expectations in order for Orlando to start being considered contenders IF the bar being set is the current Boston Celtics roster.

I’d agree also that one of Paolo or Franz MUST be considered an all nba talent as well.

[GelbeWand09]

ESPN predicts a 43 win season, and if "Paolo Banchero takes the next step", then 45 wins.

What a joke. Reasonably assuming F-Wagner and Banchero will be more efficient on offense, that the Magic will take and make more threes, and still continue to be an elite defensive team, all simple predictions, this team wins more than 45 games.

And let's go to extremes, I think this roster is more likely to win 60 games than 40 (or less). (of course they won't but it emphasizes my point).

Orlando is now better than mediocre. Will the team contend this year? No. But it will compete every night.

Here's my bold prediction: Orlando will lose by 10 (or more) in less than 10 games.
For perspective, last year the Magic lost 19 games by 10-or more. And the Celts lost 5 such games.
"Never" being blown out will show real growth for this roster. That's what I see as a goal this season.

I would expect 45 wins because of our overwhelming depth & defense in the regular season, but I wouldn't be surprised with 43 wins too. East was extremely injured last year, while Orlando was pretty healthy except the 2 weeks without Franz. In case we have a healthy season again & Paolo & Franz get more efficient I can see a 50 win season. But I expect Paolo still being unefficient on offense (less than last year). In most games games he doesn't get a favorable whistle he probably shoots under 50% again because of his bad finishing at the rim.
I doesn't expect wonders with Franz's 3 ball too. Looked as bad at the Olympics as last season.

We were one of the worst passing/ball handling teams in the league and even downgraded at this aspect and can only hope for internal improvement. In case the 2nd unit doesn't function on offense without Ingles playmaking we have a problem (Cole controlling a NBA offense). I expect AB still being used mainly as a 3 & D guy.
The offense looks to be bottom 10 again. Our only guard with any kind of advanced ball handling skills is freaking Cole Anthony. The East got better and more healthy. I see enough reasons why some media outlets doesn't expect us to improve as much as some fans here.

About winning more close games. Our lack of passing, ballhandling and creation is particularly painful in such situations, which is why I don't expect any particular improvement in this area.

[Skybox]

1. More assisted plays & dumpoffs from our primary initiators to people that can FINISH. Less turnovers...a real offense beyond the schoolyard scheme of "Give it to Paolo and see what happens". Not to be snarky...this could happen somewhat organically as Paolo & Franz' games mature and refine towards winning team basketball.

2. A secondary initiator (or two) playing a bigger role in the offense. Not just with the second unit exclusively but also getting Franz & Paolo some easier buckets and keeping defenses on their heels/unable to just guard 2 guys. Cole, Suggs, and AB are the likeliest candidates here to show more of that...I guess I give AB the nod here because he's youngest, but none of them have shown much of this skillset. Suggs has shown such dramatic improvement that he's certainly a strong possibility but game management is not as obvious a "develop-able" skill as things like shooting. Cole is still young and fierce and has decent handles, so ...who knows?

3. Kind of a spin off of point 1 but adding better shooters like KCP, CoJo, and TdS, while removing non-shooter Fultz could, easily IMO, add an assist or two to both Franz & Paolo, just by virtue of the same kickout passes finding the bottom of the net more frequently. This alone will help but not enough, on its own, to bring our offense into relevance and contention - but it's still a good thing. I just really hope that Suggs, Isaac, and WCJ can continue and progress as legit 3pt threats and not just "willing shooters".

[SHAQ32]

I wouldn't be looking for Franz to make any major jumps in impact. He is who he is at this point.

[RichCollab]

I wouldn't be looking for Franz to make any major jumps in impact. He is who he is at this point.

No he isn’t. He still can grow and his approach lends itself to improvement.