The Orlando Magic are aiming to build on their breakout 2023-24 season, where they exceeded expectations by making the playoffs as the No. 5 seed. After a hard-fought seven-game series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Magic are focused on improving their roster around rising stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. In a recent move, Orlando took a chance on former lottery pick Jarrett Culver, as reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Scotto announced on X (formerly Twitter) that “The Orlando Magic have agreed to a deal with Jarrett Culver, agents BJ Bass and Cam Brennick told @hoopshype.” Culver, the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has struggled to find a stable role in the league, averaging 6.5 points over four seasons with the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Hawks. His inconsistent shooting, both from three-point range and the free throw line, has hampered his ability to stick with a team. However, the Magic are hopeful that Culver can develop into a reliable floor spacer off the bench, allowing his defensive strengths to shine.
As the Magic look to the 2024-25 season, the team is in an exciting position. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, Orlando demonstrated last season that they could compete with some of the top teams in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, giving fans hope that they might be ready to win a playoff series. The Magic’s front office took significant steps in the offseason to address the team’s biggest weakness: outside shooting. To bolster their perimeter game, they signed former Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and drafted Colorado forward Tristan da Silva in the first round.
Caldwell-Pope brings not only shooting but also a strong defensive presence, having established himself as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders. His experience guarding the opposition’s best scorers, particularly in playoff settings, will complement the defensive identity that head coach Jamahl Mosley is fostering. His addition gives the Magic a versatile and rangy guard to pair with Jalen Suggs, adding to their defensive tenacity.
Tristan da Silva, though not as defensive-minded as Caldwell-Pope, is a high-IQ player who excels in offensive movement. At 6-foot-8 with a long wingspan, da Silva’s ability to read the game and position himself well defensively will contribute to the team’s overall grit. Offensively, his shooting and cutting ability will help open up space for Banchero and Wagner to operate more freely, giving the team more offensive balance.
With the core of the team now firmly centered around Banchero and Wagner, the Magic’s ceiling will depend on the development of these young stars. Both players performed at a near All-Star level last season, a promising sign for their future growth. However, for Orlando to truly contend in the Eastern Conference, one or both of these players will need to take the leap into superstardom. If Banchero or Wagner can elevate their games to the next level, the Magic could emerge as a serious force in the East, with the potential to surprise opponents in both the regular season and playoffs.
