SUMMARY
- The Magic have shown interest in acquiring Klay Thompson or Paul George this summer.
- Orlando needs an experienced veteran with consistency to pair alongside Paolo Banchero.
After all that was said and done, the Orlando Magic had an incredible run in the Eastern Conference Playoff bracket. Not only did they dominate the first-round series through seven games, but they also managed to reach the second seed in the East for a brief moment during the regular season. Ultimately, they secured the fifth seed with a 47-35, reaching the playoffs for the first time in four years.
The last time Orlando made the playoffs was in 2020 as they took on the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the MVP of the season. Unfortunately, they were nearly swept in the first round. Fast forward to 2022, the Magic selected Paolo Banchero as the No.1 overall pick. The Wagner brothers improved over time and Cole Anthony became a great sixth man. But with all the improved talent, the Magic still seems one piece away from possibly dominating the East.
Paolo Banchero needs more veteran experience on the Magic’s roster
After winning the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year title, Banchero competed in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and that experience helped him get better at leading a team. This season, the 21-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 45.5% shooting. During the post-season, Banchero averaged 27 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He led the Magic through a seven-game stretch against the Cleveland Cavaliers but lost during the elimination round.
What a season from Paolo Banchero
• All-Star as a sophomore
• Led Orlando to the Playoffs
• 3 games with 30+ points in his first playoffsThe future is bright in Orlando 💐 pic.twitter.com/YGN7qCgONa
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 5, 2024
Unfortunately, besides playing alongside veterans in Team USA Basketball, Banchero does not have a mentor to work with, a mentor that has a high level of experience in the playoffs and in leading a team. This is where the rumors revolving around the Magic being potential suitors for either Klay Thompson or Paul George come into play. Luckily, the Magic has enough cap space to work with and acquire an elite player.
Paul George brings more consistency to the table which the Magic needs
The 2024 NBA Playoffs have proven that consistency is a big factor in a team’s success. This was something the Magic struggled to deliver during road games in the playoffs. They went 0-4 against the Cavaliers in road games. In terms of consistency, Klay Thompson may not be the Magic’s best option especially based off his most recent campaign. Though the 4x NBA Champion averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, he still struggled to produce numbers when the Golden State Warriors absolutely needed it.
respect. pic.twitter.com/5hjPU9Zpso
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) May 5, 2024
Thompson would work well coming off the bench, but a veteran to start with Banchero would bring major changes. Hence, Paul George might be the better option despite the occasional inconsistencies on offense. The forward averaged 22.6 points as the second or third option at times. While Thompson will be championship experience, George brings way more consistency, and this will impact the Magic majorly if they happen to make a deep playoff run next season. George and Thompson are expected to become free agents during the summer.