Magic learning that success in the NBA isn't promised

The promise of young teams creates hope for tomorrow. The harsh reality, though, is this can build a false sense of guaranteed success. 

One of the glaring examples of this in the NBA right now is the Orlando Magic. They were a trendy pick as the next squad up in the Eastern Conference. They have a lethal forward combination with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs last season. 

With that experience and more individual growth, the thought was there would be a natural progression to the next level. The Magic even added a veteran and championship presence by signing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This type of move signals a belief that just being in the playoffs isn't enough. 

The expectations in Orlando have failed to match with reality. They're not the young and exciting team grabbing attention. The Detroit Pistons have filled that role for 2025. The Magic are currently a play-in team at 29-34. 

They've lost four straight games, with the most concerning trend being the last two setbacks coming against the Toronto Raptors, a team whose fans are probably more interested in draft lottery odds. So, where did it all go wrong in Orlando?

Injuries have been a major theme. Banchero missed 34 games after tearing his oblique muscle in October. Wagner missed 20 between December and January with the same injury. The Magic are 6-12 since having them both in the lineup.

Adding more to the health struggles, they will be without guard Jalen Suggs for the rest of the season after surgery on his left knee. Suggs provided solid scoring production but, more importantly, has found his niche as a legitimate defender. 

Yes, losing your top two players is a major hurdle and it does take time to find a rhythm once they return. Should Orlando still be losing to the likes of the Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz? Banchero and Wagner are putting up numbers yet the team has sparked little inspiration. 

Banchero dropped 41 points while Wagner had 28 in the loss Tuesday against Toronto. The Magic's recent 122-82 loss to the Cavaliers revealed an issue that needs to be addressed in the offseason. The offense becomes stagnant and puts a heavy playmaking load on the star forwards. 

As talented as they are, Banchero and Wagner would benefit from dynamic playmaking around them. They would break through even more by being set up more efficiently, instead of having to set up in ways that can become inefficient.

The numbers reveal an offense that can't survive in today's game. The Magic are averaging 104.2 points per game, the worst in the league. Their 23 assists per game average is tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for second worst. Add in their bottom-of-the-league 30.7 percent average from the three-point line, and the problem isn't hard to find.

Injuries can be blamed but it can't be the only reason the offense is such a tough watch. Orlando's front office could be realizing it has a personnel problem. This isn't to say it doesn't have a solid group of young players. But what's talent if they don't fit to create a cohesive unit? 

The Magic have a great foundation with Banchero and Wagner, but given their playing styles, moves need to be made to get the best out of these two and, in turn, get the best out of the team. 

The game waits for no player or team. The rising team of today can be tossed aside for the next. While this season has been a disappointment in Orlando, the outlook isn't bleak. It's up to the front office, though, to create an environment for sustained success.