Magic Could Fare Better Than Hawks, Pistons For One Clear Reason

The Orlando Magic’s aggressive offseason moves have become one of the biggest storylines in the NBA. From the blockbuster trade for Desmond Bane to the under-the-radar signing of Tyus Jones, the Magic made major upgrades. Add in the promising draft class of Jase Richardson and Noah Penda. They both flashed potential during Summer League, and Orlando’s roster looks significantly improved. These additions aren’t just solid pickups, they elevate the Magic to a legitimate contender for a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference and possibly a deep playoff run. Most importantly, they strengthen the culture Paolo Banchero is helping build as the team’s leader after signing his max contract extension.

With several of the Eastern Conference's biggest stars sidelined by injury, the landscape has shifted creating real opportunities for emerging teams to make a leap. The Magic are among the contenders ready to take advantage, joining the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons as dark horses beneath heavy favorites like the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the race for the No. 1 seed.

During The Ringer’s podcast The Mismatch, NBA insider Chris Vernon named the Magic his favorite to secure the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, citing their continuity as a key advantage over close competitors.

"I like these teams that are bringing back the continuity," Vernon said. "Now, I know what Bane brings to the table. Everybody loved Desmond Bane as soon as he got traded, as we've talked about many times, but I love Desmond Bane, and I think Bane is going to be absolutely perfect for that Orlando team. I look at it and say Atlanta is going to go through a little bit of growing pains just with the new personnel. Like that's just the way it goes."