Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero Talks Roster, Importance of Franz Wagner

The Orlando Magic had high expectations going into the 2025-26 season, especially after trading for Desmond Bane.

The state of the Eastern Conference was in limbo, and it seemed like any team could make a run. The Magic had a young and talented roster that had accrued postseason experience in the previous two seasons, but they never made it out of the first round of the playoffs.

While it looked strong at points, Orlando never captured its full potential last season, either. Whether it was injuries or the voice of former head coach Jamahl Mosley wearing thin, the Magic limped to a 45-37 record, the eighth seed in the East and another first-round playoff exit.

With a 3-1 series lead over the Detroit Pistons, the Magic were as close as they have been with their current core to winning a playoff series, and it would have been the first the organization captured since 2010.

However, when Franz Wagner suffered a calf strain in Game 4, Orlando pulled through to win the game, but it would be the last. Now, as the summer moves forward and the 2026-27 season inches closer, Magic All-Star forward Paolo Banchero and his teammates have been working to be prepared and put their best foot forward.

Recently, Banchero talked with Stephen A. Smith about his belief in the roster.

"We do have enough," Banchero said. "We won 45 games, and if you ask anybody in the building, we did not put our best foot forward from start to finish. To still win 45 games, make the playoffs, and put ourselves in position to advance leaves everyone with a sour taste because we didn't finish it. 

"But when we look each other in the eye, we know our team is enough with our size, defense, and versatility," he added. "I'm excited for what the new staff can come in and do to put us in the right positions, but looking around that locker room, we have enough."

While Banchero emphasized his belief in the roster, he also acknowledged the impact left by the loss of Wagner in the playoffs.

"I’d be lying if I said I didn't think it would have been a different outcome if we had him," Banchero said. "Franz is an absolute key to our team, and we are not the same when he’s not out there. The versatility he brings on both sides of the ball at 6-foot-10— he can guard 1-through-5, high-level defender. 

"Offensively, he brings balance with his attacking, high IQ, and cerebral style," Banchero added. "He’s one of the leaders on our team. Seeing him go down was not only a loss for what he does on the court, but a loss for his voice, IQ, and presence."

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