Orlando Magic Need Best Version of Paolo Banchero Next Season

This offseason has proven to be a big one in the NBA world, especially in the Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers look like the team to beat after trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James, the Miami Heat signaled that they are taking their postseason aspirations seriously again by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, and other teams, like the Washington Wizards, have given the impression that their rebuilds are over.

That is where things get tricky for the Orlando Magic. In their division alone, they now have to deal with Antetokounmpo. The Charlotte Hornets look as if they are primed for a postseason push, despite the decision to trade LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wizards have Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and they have also added Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton this offseason.

Oh yeah, the Atlanta Hawks also occupy that space, and they were the only ones who pushed the New York Knicks around during the latter’s run to becoming NBA champions last season.

The Magic did not have the financial flexibility to make significant moves, let alone seismic ones, like some of their rivals. There is so much money tied up in Orlando’s core group of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs that every other decision could not be based on greatly moving the needle, if at all.

This season, Banchero's rookie maximum extension kicks in, and he will make $41.2 million during the 2026-27 season. Therefore, he must be the best version of himself. 

At times last season, Banchero seemed sluggish and indecisive, which led to a drop in production. He showed up big on multiple occasions in the playoffs, but at other times when he was supposed to operate as the No. 1 option in the regular season, he looked like he was anything but.

In a recent appearance on the Stephen A. Smith show, Banchero made it clear that this offseason is the hardest he has ever worked. He is conditioning his body to be more durable — though he only missed 10 games last season — and he is committing himself to the process to help elevate his team.

Banchero knows the pain of being unable to punch through what has proven to be an impenetrable first-round playoff ceiling. The Magic have not won a series in the postseason since 2010, and they have been bounced in round one in three-straight playoff appearances. 

The silver lining in those experiences for Banchero is centered on growth. He understands what it takes to win at the highest level, and rather than just being grateful for the journey, he understands that the tangible and intangible elements of his makeup will dictate how far his team goes.

Banchero has a chance to be a superstar in this league, and the Magic need that version of him now more than ever.