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Orlando Magic Get More Championship Hype With Latest Offseason Grade
Apr 25, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) grabs the rebound against the Boston Celtics during the second half of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Imagine reading this sentence two years ago: veteran guards Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane are joining the Orlando Magic, elevating them as Eastern contenders.

But fast forward, it's a reality. Orlando has earned endless offseason hype for its acquisitions, with Bleacher Report being the latest to lavish praise on the team.

Among its Eastern Conference opponents, they trailed only the Atlanta Hawks on the list, while tying the likes of the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The article wrote:

"The Orlando Magic essentially replaced Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and Gary Harris with Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, finally addressing their need for backcourt spacing and shot creation. In the case of Bane, the outgoing costs included a whopping five first-round assets. The No. 16 pick in the 2025 draft already conveyed, and most of the rest should fall somewhere in the 20s if the Magic are as good as they expect to be between now and 2030 or so."

Bane and Jones aren't the biggest names, but give the Magic what they need in the backcourt. Bane dropped in scoring last season but logged career highs in field goal percentage (48.4), rebounds (6.1), and steals (1.2). He adds a perimeter threat to a unit that logged a historically bad 3-point shooting season. Meanwhile, Jones is a point guard who can facilitate and set up his offensive playmakers. He also benefits from being on a team boasting the league's best scoring defense last season.

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This article first appeared on Orlando Magic on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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