The Orlando Magic are going to need the best versions of these three players if they are going to succeed.
As the 2026-27 NBA season grows closer, some members of the Orlando Magic are officially back in the gym.
On Tuesday, the Magic’s official X account posted photos of several key players working out inside the AdventHealth Training Center, including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Anthony Black and Nikola Vucevic.
Each of these players has taken the summer to commit to their own regimens. Now, they are beginning to put it together in pursuit of a strong season. So, what should we expect this year from the starters pictured in the Magic’s practice session?
Paolo Banchero
The Magic have close to $160 million wrapped up in Banchero, Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs this season, and Banchero is just slightly behind Wagner for the highest-paid player on the team.
Now, it is time for him to consistently demonstrate why he is the face of the franchise.
Last season, Banchero certainly had his moments of dominance, but there were other times when he was underwhelming. He acknowledged his faults, and he has worked hard this season to slim down while building his body to become a more durable player.
When Banchero is decisive and aggressive, he is the best version of himself. Injuries were not much of a hindrance for him last season, as he only missed 10 games due to a groin strain. Therefore, a fully healthy version of him must be dominant.
Franz Wagner
There have been arguments over whether or not Wagner and Banchero are better when the other is not on the floor, but when they are together, Wagner is the established second option.
There is nothing wrong with that, and he has thrived in his role. But as I mentioned, he carries the highest cap hit on the team next season at $41.7 million. That is a lot of money for a player who was limited to 34 regular-season games in 2025-26 and had his playoff run cut short by a calf strain.
When healthy, Wagner is worth his salary. He is an incredibly valuable two-way player who is necessary for the Magic’s success, but he cannot help them if he is in street clothes. This summer, Wagner did not play for Germany, which was a crucial decision that was beneficial for his offseason recovery following an injury-filled season.
If this organization is going to reach its true heights, it needs Wagner to be as durable as Banchero is aiming to be so they can remain on the court together. Injuries are beyond his control, but the expectation should be for Wagner to play at least 65 games next season.
Wendell Carter Jr.
In his fifth full season with the Magic, Carter played in 78 games, which was crucial for a team that struggled with injuries to other key players.
Carter had his moments, perhaps his most shining one being Game 3 of Orlando’s first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons in which he recorded 14 points and 17 rebounds, but he needs to perform like that more consistently.
Last season, Carter averaged 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds. His average totals fall short of Vucevic, whom the Magic traded for Carter back in 2021. Vucevic returns to Orlando in a role that will bolster the bench behind Carter, but he cannot be the more productive option at 35 years old.
Expecting a player to take another leap in their ninth season is like expecting an old dog to learn new tricks, but Carter has proven the depth of his potential; he just needs to tap into it more. The expectation next season is that he should average a double-double.
