New King in the NBA Southeast Division
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If you were to tell me 5 years ago that the Orlando Magic would be a 4th seed in the Eastern Conference and number 1 in the Southeast division 5 years from now, then I would think you’re crazy. The Magic are currently in year three of their rebuild. Back in 2021, at the trade deadline, the Orlando Magic traded away their core players in Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, and Evan Fournier. This was the start of a true rebuild in Orlando.
The Magic have so far nailed draft picks. Starting back in 2021, they drafted Jalen Suggs with the 5th overall pick and Franz Wagner with the 8th overall pick.
Suggs didn’t live up to the expectations of a 5th overall pick, but he is a perfect role player for the team. He is establishing a team culture and identity, which a young team needs. This season, Jalen Suggs is averaging 13.5 points per game (PPG), 3.4 rounds per game (RPG), 2.6 assists per game (APG), 1.4 steals per game (SPG), shooting 45.5% from the field, and 39.9% 3pt. Suggs is the type of player whose contributions don’t show in the box score.
Franz Wagner is one of the co-stars for the Magic. Every year, he gets better and better, which shows the development and commitment that the organization shows to its players. This season, Wagner is averaging 20.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, shooting 46.7% from the field, and 28.8% 3pt.
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In 2022, the Orlando Magic received the 1st overall pick and selected Paolo Banchero. This season, Banchero is averaging all-star numbers at 23.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, shooting 46.1% from the field, and 38.5% 3pt. Banchero established himself as a future superstar in the league, and the Magic are lucky to have him as a franchise cornerstone.
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During the 2023 season, the Orlando Magic are the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference and #1 in the Southeast division. The Magic are absolutely exceeding expectations this season and are a few years ahead in their rebuild.
On January 5th, 2024, the Orlando Magic defeated the healthy, reigning champion Denver Nuggets, 122-120. The most impressive part about this win is that they won without Franz Wagner. This shows that the Magic have a deep roster and can contend with anyone in the NBA.
Is this Orlando Magic team a fluke or are they the new kings in the Southeast division?