Magic could make the biggest jump in 2025-26

For the past two seasons, the Orlando Magic have been knocking on the door. They played tough, defended like crazy and earned respect in the East — but always felt one piece away from being taken seriously. 

That missing piece might’ve just arrived.

Desmond Bane’s addition this summer could completely shift Orlando’s ceiling. One of the league’s most efficient shooters and a sneaky playmaker, the guard is coming off a season in Memphis where he averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists with 39.1% shooting from three. 

He gives the Magic what they badly needed: floor spacing, shot creation and someone who can keep defenses honest without the ball.

The biggest beneficiary? Paolo Banchero. Last year, the All-Star forward had to do everything for this team. He drew constant double teams, had limited room to drive and often found himself working through clogged-paint scenarios. Still, he managed to put up 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. That’s without a true floor-spacer next to him.

With Bane stretching defenses out, the floor opens up for Banchero in ways we haven’t seen yet. There’s real potential here for him to become a 30-point-per-game scorer. Even more importantly, he won’t have to carry the offensive burden every night, which could sharpen his decision-making and help him become more efficient.

Then there’s Jalen Suggs, who took a big step forward last year. Already a bulldog defensively, the guard started hitting shots more consistently and embraced the challenge of defending top perimeter threats. If he makes another leap on both ends, Orlando could quietly have one of the most well-rounded starting backcourts in the conference with Bane and Suggs anchoring the perimeter.

What sets the Magic apart, though, isn’t just raw talent. It’s hunger. This is a team that went through the fire. They have made the playoffs two years in a row and gave tough battles each time. 

Banchero already has 12 postseason games under his belt. Franz Wagner has shown he can elevate his game in those moments. They’re still young — but they’ve been battle-tested. They’ve failed, learned and grown.

Bane, despite being just 26, brings added playoff experience from Memphis, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He fits right into the Magic’s identity: tough, focused and defensive-minded.

Of course, the East is no cakewalk. Cleveland is still loaded. Milwaukee has Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston is retooling. New York added more weapons. 

But the Magic aren’t aiming for the middle anymore. This team could realistically go from a feisty seventh seed to a top-three contender. That’s the kind of jump that happens when young stars mature, depth develops and front offices make the right gamble at the right time.

That's not to say the Magic are title favorites. But they might be the team no one wants to play come April. Bane changes the math. Banchero's game is ready to level up. And if the rest of the group follows, Orlando might not just be fun — it might be scary.