The Orlando Magic were realistically not expected to defeat the Boston Celtics in a seven-game playoff series this season. Given Boston`s status as a peak-level championship contender and Orlando`s earlier stage of team development, the Magic`s elimination after Game 5 in Boston was a foreseeable outcome.
However, this doesn`t excuse the team`s failure to address the clear and persistent absence of a scoring guard on the roster throughout the recent season. Their commendable performance last year still resulted in only the 22nd-ranked offense and a first-round playoff elimination by Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers, a loss largely attributed to their difficulties scoring points.
Astonishingly, Orlando`s offense has now ranked in the bottom 10 of the league for 13 consecutive seasons, spanning the entire eight-year tenure of current top executive Jeff Weltman. Despite knowing the Magic`s scoring limitations entering the season, and factoring in injuries, they finished 27th offensively. Making the playoffs while having a worse offense than teams actively tanking, like the Jazz, Pelicans, and 76ers, is unacceptable. This situation arose partly because last offseason, the Magic did not acquire the essential scoring guard the team desperately needed.
Crucially, the required scoring guard doesn`t need to be a superstar. The standard isn`t excessively high for Orlando`s current developmental phase. Given Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner`s usage rates, adding a highly ball-dominant All-Star like Trae Young wouldn`t be logical. However, a viable middle ground exists and is attainable. The Magic require a player skilled in dribbling and shooting. They need someone to improve their poor ranking in 3-point attempts (23rd) and abysmal 3-point percentage (30th). Simply introducing a player who can drive into the defense and make catch-and-shoot three-pointers would give Banchero and Wagner valuable additional space to operate.
Ty Jerome, soon to be a free agent as the Cavaliers face rising costs, could be a significant asset for this team. Might he be available for a mid-level exception contract? While Orlando would need to perform some financial maneuvers, affording such a deal is feasible. Declining the team options for Mo Wagner and Gary Harris would immediately bring them closer to the luxury tax threshold. From there, numerous money-saving options are available. Jett Howard, currently not playing, could easily be traded into another team`s salary cap space. If they plan to add a guard anyway, trading Cole Anthony is also an option.
Jerome represents a valuable temporary or “bridge” solution. The Magic are still assessing the full potential of their current roster. They might not be prepared to go “all-in” for a bigger name yet. D`Angelo Russell makes a certain degree of sense for similar reasons, although his playoff performance history is undeniably inconsistent. While the Magic can absorb one defensive weakness, their strong defense loses significant impact if the team cannot generate points.
However, discussions will inevitably arise regarding higher-tier options, and if available, the Magic should strongly consider pursuing them. Florida native Anfernee Simons is frequently mentioned in potential trade scenarios. He likely represents the ideal middle ground between a star player and a bridge option – someone who could develop alongside the core group for years without overwhelming the team`s finances or diminishing Banchero or Wagner`s roles. He isn`t primarily a point guard but a proven scorer, one who would significantly benefit from the defensive support Orlando can provide. He has also demonstrated himself to be a tremendous performer in late-game situations over the past two seasons, offering Orlando a valuable alternative closer to Banchero.
Desmond Bane also fits a similar profile. At 26, he`s mature enough to contribute to winning now but young enough to grow with the team`s core. Although his contract is substantial (a 25% max), it`s locked in through 2029, and the salary cap is projected to rise faster than his earnings. He is an excellent shooter, a capable creator, and doesn`t dominate the ball excessively compared to similar players. Is he as likely to be available as Simons? Probably not, but following the Thunder`s decisive first-round victory over the Grizzlies, the possibility of significant roster changes isn`t entirely off the table.
Here`s a name that involves more risk: Bradley Beal. He possesses a no-trade clause, but as a University of Florida alumnus potentially joining an improving team, the Magic might persuade him to waive it. The clear advantage here is that he could potentially be acquired simply by matching salaries, likely without needing to include valuable draft picks or promising young players. Consider what sounds more appealing for next season`s roster: acquiring Beal, a proven shot-creator who immediately addresses a significant need even in his current state, or relying on the existing situation which lacks a reliable scoring guard and includes players like Cole Anthony (who might be replaced anyway), Mo Wagner (recovering from injury), and Gary Harris (potentially past his peak rotation role)? Purely from the perspective of building the roster for next year, the addition of Beal is likely the more attractive option.
Last season felt like a pleasant surprise. This year, despite accounting for injuries, felt frustrating. Opportunities for NBA contention are fleeting. It`s tempting to assume Banchero and Wagner will automatically win together for a decade, but that outcome is rarely guaranteed. These two players are ready to compete for wins *now*. The Magic possess a defense capable of championship contention. They also have all of their future first-round draft picks available for trades and several movable, mid-sized contracts that can be combined to acquire a better player.
The moment to make a significant move forward is upon them. The Eastern Conference won`t remain this open beyond the top few seeds indefinitely. Banchero and Wagner will reach their prime years soon. The Magic have a genuine opportunity to become a significant playoff contender as early as next spring. Assuming health permits, the primary barrier standing between them and achieving this has been their rigid adherence to building a roster focused almost exclusively on defense and large wings, despite having various roster construction tools at their disposal. It is time to diversify their approach. The Magic are more than adequately covered in terms of size and defensive capability. The crucial next step is adding offensive firepower. They should have recognized this need a year ago. Now, they absolutely *must* understand it.
Jasper Hawthorne