Paolo Banchero believes the Orlando Magic are ready to compete among the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic forward expressed confidence in his team’s progress, stating that they are “right there” with the top contenders.
Banchero’s remarks came during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, where he discussed the team’s offseason improvements. “We feel like we’re right there,” Banchero said. “We’re right there with all those elite teams in the East.”
He highlighted the Magic’s strong finish last season, securing the fifth seed and nearly claiming the second seed in the East. “Everybody thought we were going to be a play-in team and drop out the top of the East,” Banchero added. “We finished strong and got the fifth seed and had a chance to really grab the two seed at the end of the season.”
The 2023-24 season marked a significant turnaround for the Magic, as they improved their win total by 13 games compared to the previous season. Under head coach Jamahl Mosley, the team finished with a 47-35 record, their best since the 2010-11 season.
Banchero’s confidence stems from his own development as well as the additions the team has made. He emphasized that both he and his teammates have worked tirelessly to elevate their game, aiming to make noise in the playoffs.
“I got better; all of us got better,” Banchero said. “We got some new pieces that are going to help a lot. We’re trying to make some noise.”
Last season, Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, solidifying his role as a cornerstone for the Magic. His performance, combined with the team’s overall improvement, has fueled optimism for the upcoming season.
The Magic’s journey to the playoffs was marked by a strong start, with a 13-5 record in November. However, midseason struggles saw their record dip to 25-23, before they regained momentum in the final months, finishing the regular season on a 22-12 run.
Their efforts earned them a playoff berth for the first time since the 2019-20 season, as well as the Southeast Division title, their first since 2018-19. The Magic faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in a hard-fought first-round series, which went to seven games before Orlando was eliminated.
Despite the playoff exit, the Magic’s performance has set the stage for what Banchero believes could be an even more successful season. He is confident that the team’s improvements, both individually and collectively, will propel them to a top-four or top-three finish in the East. “We should easily be a top-four, top-three team, and have a chance to win the East,” Banchero asserted.
