Pre-Draft Outlook
The Magic put the build-through-the-draft blueprint on hold when the club swapped multiple future first-round picks last summer for Desmond Bane. It was a logical decision in that, after adding so many young players, the Magic wanted more experience and a deeper run in the playoffs. That said, the rewards of that philosophical shift will have to wait as Orlando deals with a new coach to direct its future. Ex-Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney comes aboard after Jamhal Mosley was let go shortly after Orlando’s first-round loss to Detroit.
The Way to Go
There’s not much a team can do when it’s holding only a late second-round pick. But in Orlando’s case, that’s not such a bad situation. Orlando is still developing such players as Anthony Black, Tristan da Silva and Jase Richardson, all of whom are roughly the same age as incoming rookies. The club can hope a diamond in the rough falls its way, maybe Baba Miller, a 6-foot-11 wing from Cincinnati.
— Shaun Powell
Under Contract
G: Desmond Bane
G: Anthony Black
G: Jase Richardson
G: Jalen Suggs
G/F: Noah Penda
F: Paolo Banchero
F: Tristan da Silva
F: Jonathan Isaac
F: Franz Wagner
C/F: Wendell Carter Jr.
C: Goga Bitadze
Free Agents
G: Jevon Carter
G: Jett Howard
F: Jamal Cain
F/C: Mortiz Wagner