Magic Star Paolo Banchero Believes Team Has ‘Chance to Win’ East This Season

After finishing last season with a record of 47-35, the Orlando Magic didn’t just sit on their hands this offseason. The front office decided to spend some money in free agency, landing two-way veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the open market.

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He joins a young team that finished as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference a year ago. Orlando pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to the brink in the first round of the playoffs, losing in a tough seven-game series.

The Magic have a collection of players that are still getting their feet wet in the NBA, but it’s a very deep roster. Led by star forward Paolo Banchero, the Magic are primed to continue pushing forward as contenders in the East.

Most people in basketball circles see Orlando as a distant contender behind the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks. But don’t tell Banchero that; he is as confident in the Magic’s roster as any in the league.

While appearing on the ESPN show First Take, Banchero gave his thoughts on the upcoming season for Orlando.

“We feel like we’re right there, we’re right there with all those teams. I remember last year, we started the year off as a top three, top two seed and everybody thought it was a fluke. Everybody thought we were going to be a play-in team and drop out of the top of the East but we finished strong and got the fifth seed and had a chance to really grab the two seed at the end of the season. We were right there last year and we got better this year, like I said, I got better, all of us got better, we got some new pieces that’s gonna help a lot and we’re trying to make some noise. Should easily be a top four, top three team and have a chance to win the East.”

While it will be a challenge for the Magic to compete with the other elite teams, they are hungry for more success. They got a taste of the postseason last year and should be considered a team to be dealt with.

Banchero himself earned his first All-Star appearance last season, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His overall growth will help Orlando become the best version of themselves, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly this season.

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