Preseason Dominance Hints at Potential Breakout Year for Orlando
The Orlando Magic have quietly put together an impressive preseason campaign, capping it off with a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This strong showing has many around the league taking notice and speculating that the young Magic squad could be poised for a breakout year.
Standout Performances Across the Roster
Throughout the preseason, Orlando has received contributions from a variety of players. Sophomore forward Paolo Banchero has looked dominant, showcasing the skills that made him the number one overall pick in last year's draft. Veteran center Goga Bitadze has also turned heads with his improved play, providing a physical presence in the paint.
Shooting guard Desmond Bane, acquired in an offseason trade, has seamlessly integrated into the Magic's system and provided a scoring punch on the perimeter. The team's depth and balance have been on full display, with no clear weak links in the rotation.
Reasons for Optimism in Orlando
Orlando's preseason success comes on the heels of a 2022-23 season that saw the team take steps forward, winning 34 games and narrowly missing the play-in tournament. With another year of development for their young core and the additions of Bane and Bitadze, the Magic appear primed to take the next leap.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley has the team playing an up-tempo, unselfish brand of basketball that has been difficult for opponents to handle. If the Magic can carry this momentum into the regular season, they could emerge as a surprising playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
TL;DR
- The Orlando Magic have been one of the standout teams of the NBA preseason, capping it off with a victory over the Pelicans
- Sophomore forward Paolo Banchero and veteran center Goga Bitadze have led the way, with newcomer Desmond Bane also impressing
- After a promising 2022-23 campaign, the Magic appear poised for a breakout year and could be a surprise playoff contender in the East