The Orlando Magic’s year of 2025 was eventful to say the least. From the offseason acquisition of Desmond Bane to the multiple injuries suffered in the rotation, there were a ton of storylines to follow. However, even with the ups-and-downs, there is one regret the Magic may have heading into the new year.
Bleacher Report released an article, highlighting the one biggest regret of 2025 for every NBA franchise. The Magic had plenty of nominees but the article claimed "not pushing even harder for perimeter shooting" as the biggest regret.
“After watching their bricklaying offense hold back their suffocating defense for years, the Magic finally addressed the issue this summer,” the article wrote. “More specifically, they forked over four first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two rotation players (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony) to pry Desmond Bane away from the Grizzlies. As bold and costly as that exchange was, though, it's still fair to think Orlando may have wished it'd done more.”
The Magic's biggest weakness over the past few seasons has been their perimeter shooting. The Magic hoped to have fixed their issues by signing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year contract during the 2024 offseason but he quickly regressed after joining the franchise. Orlando quickly moved him as part of a blockbuster trade package for Bane, who started the season poorly as a shooter but his efficiency has improved. Bane has led the team during the Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner absences.
“The offense is obviously (and significantly) improved (up to 13th in efficiency), but three-point shooting is still not a strength (26th in makes, 27th in accuracy),” the article added. “There are at least a few internal hopes for better spacing, like Bane and Tyus Jones shooting closer to their normal rates or rookie net-shredder Jase Richardson claiming a larger role. Still, Orlando may have to look elsewhere for extra shooting if it hopes to seriously challenge for the Eastern Conference crown.”
It is a bit surprising that the Magic are a playoff-caliber team even with their drastic shooting issues. There should be some solid shooters available on the trade block this coming deadline such as Washington Wizards wing Corey Kispert or Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. The only thing holding Orlando back from making a deal is their lack of future first-round picks. There may need to be some sacrifices made to improve the team’s perimeter shooting.