'Making Magic' (My 2025 Orlando Magic Full Team Preview & Article)

[SOUL]

https://www.rareslums.com/articles/makingmagic

Hey y'all! Haven't been too active this off-season but hoping to get back into the swing of things lately. Without being too personal, there's been a lot happening with my personal life, with a grandparent I've been caretaking having a lot of health issues and needing to go into a memory care place. Because of that, I'll be back in Orlando at least for the next six or so months, so if any of y'all ever wanna meet up at a game, can definitely try to set that up.

That being said, I've been writing more and more lately, and of course I wanted to get in an Orlando Magic piece just kind of previewing the season and the expectations of each individual player... while having some fun with it.

Hope ya'll enjoy!

[KokoKaizer]

That was an interesting read ! Thanks !

[SOUL]

That was an interesting read ! Thanks !

Thank you

[Kent]

Not only a very on-point and enjoyable read, but it even had a Krang and Animorphs reference thrown in for good measure.

Take my "+1," good sir.

[MasterGMer]

Thank you, sir. It is a very good very good article. Hope to read your next one as season goes. Can't wait

[RookieStar]

1 - Having a grandparent still is a blessing no matter the effort. Kudos to you for taking care of him/her. As Cole said : " Family"

2 - Nice article.

[Knightro]

Watch on YouTube

[SHAQ32]

No thank you!

[SOUL]

No thank you!

Glad to see you're still trolling, go Magic

[thomas1897]

Orlando Magic are one of the most physical teams in the NBA, built around elite defense, size, and toughness. Their identity centers on gritty play and relentless effort.
Yes—Orlando Magic are one of the most physical teams in the NBA, built around elite defense, size, and toughness. Their identity centers on gritty play and relentless effort.

Orlando’s Physical Identity
Elite Defense
• Finished with the second-ranked defense in the NBA last season.
• Jalen Suggs earned All-Defensive Second Team honors and sets the tone with aggressive on-ball pressure.
• The team thrives on switching, contesting shots, and crashing the boards.
Size and Strength
• Paolo Banchero (6'10") and Franz Wagner (6'9") form a bruising forward duo—both average over 24 points per game and can defend multiple positions.
• Desmond Bane adds physicality at the guard spot, known for his strength and perimeter defense.
• Moe Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr. provide depth and toughness in the paint.
Rebounding and Hustle
• Orlando emphasizes team rebounding, with guards like Suggs and Bane contributing on the glass.
• Their physicality shows in loose-ball recoveries, transition defense, and second-chance efforts.

Coaching and Culture
• Head coach Jamahl Mosley has instilled a culture of grit, effort, and defensive accountability.
• The team’s physical style is not just about contact—it’s about mental toughness, discipline, and team-first defense.

What It Means for 2025–26
• With Banchero, Wagner, and Bane healthy, Orlando is poised to climb into the East’s top tier.
• Their physicality gives them an edge in playoff matchups, especially against finesse-heavy teams.
• If they maintain health and integrate new pieces like Tyus Jones, they could be a dark horse contender. Why the Point Guard Is Orlando’s Weak Spot
No True Floor General
• Tyus Jones was added for stability, but he’s more of a steady hand than a dynamic creator.
• Orlando lacks a high-level initiator who can consistently break down defenses, control tempo, and elevate teammates in crunch time.
Jalen Suggs – Defensive Ace, Offensive Question
• Suggs is elite defensively but still developing as a playmaker.
• His scoring is streaky, and he’s not yet a reliable pick-and-roll orchestrator.
Paolo Banchero as Point Forward
• Banchero often initiates offense, but that’s not sustainable for 82 games.
• It works in spurts, but Orlando needs a guard who can run the show and let Paolo focus on scoring and mismatches.

Impact on Team Performance
• Late-game execution suffers without a true closer at the 1.
• Spacing issues arise when Suggs and Jones share the floor—neither is a knockdown shooter.
• Against elite guards like Tyrese Maxey or Jalen Brunson, Orlando struggles to match pace and precision. What Could Fix It
• A midseason trade for a dynamic point guard (think Darius Garland or Malcolm Brogdon type).
• Continued development from Suggs or a breakout from Anthony Black.
• Leaning into positionless play, letting Banchero and Wagner initiate while Jones stabilizes. Paolo Banchero has both the skill set and the opportunity to expand his game as a playmaker, and Orlando may need him to do exactly that is why Banchero Can Become a Better Passer
Natural Vision and Feel
• Banchero already averages 4.7 assists per game, which is elite for a power forward.
• He reads double teams well and can pass out of the post or off the dribble.
• His handle allows him to initiate offense like a point-forward. Orlando’s System Encourages It
• With no elite point guard, the Magic often run offense through Banchero and Franz Wagner.
• Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasizes ball movement and decision-making, not just isolation scoring.
• Banchero’s usage rate is high, giving him plenty of chances to develop as a facilitator.What It Could Unlock
• More spacing: If Banchero draws help and kicks out, shooters like Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner get cleaner looks.
• Late-game versatility: He could become a Luka-lite closer—scoring and creating.
• All-NBA potential: If he adds elite playmaking to his scoring and rebounding, he becomes a top 10 player.

[eyriq]

Good tactical depth and narrative flow. Killed it!