Three questions for the Orlando Magic ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season

The Orlando Magic have shown significant improvements in recent years. Their rebuilding efforts have gone according to plan, and now, they seem primed to take the next step. 

After a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Boston Celtics last season, Orlando responded with a big move to acquire Desmond Bane. Now with the Eastern Conference seemingly wide-open, Orlando may feel it has a shot to announce itself as a potential contender.

Here are three big questions the Magic must answer to begin the new season.

Can the Magic find an offensive spark

Last season, the Magic ranked 27th in the NBA for offensive rating (scoring 108.9 points per 100 possessions). Their success came due to a stern defense that forced teams to play grit and grind basketball. Orlando was also more than happy to embrace physical play to ensure an advantage.

However, if the Magic are going to be a genuine contender in the East, they must improve on their offensive output and efficiency. A huge part of that will be the internal development of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, both of whom missed stretches of games last season. 

Factor in the addition of Bane, and the floor spacing he provides, and Magic fans should be excited about the potential for more offensive fluidity next season.

Can Tyus Jones end the Magic's search for a point guard?

A core part of Orlando's offensive struggles has been their lack of a genuine point guard. Head coach Jamahl Mosley hasn't had a legitimate table-setter at his disposal in recent years.

Therefore, the hope will be that Tyus Jones can provide a playmaking spark while having a calming effect on his talented but still developing teammates. Jones had a strong season for the Phoenix Suns in the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game.

Jones' ability to quarterback an offense should help unlock the undeniable potential throughout the roster.

Will Paolo Banchero improve his overall efficiency? 

There's no denying that Banchero is a future superstar. He's been a dominant presence on the Magic's roster since being taken first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. However, for all of his talents, he's struggled with his efficiency on such a high offensive usage rate.

Last season, Banchero shot 32% from deep on 5.9 attempts per game. He also failed to find a rhythm at the free-throw line (72.7%). Teams know that he's looking to get downhill and power his way to the rim, and therefore, they clog the lanes and make him work for every bucket.

Adding a reliable perimeter jumper and some mid-range counters to his overall offensive arsenal will work wonders for his game. If the Magic are going to become a threat in the East, either this season or in the near future, Banchero has to prove himself as a three-level threat. Otherwise, he will never reach his full potential. 

And if the Magic want to take another step this season, Banchero getting closer to his potential will be integral.