The Orlando Magic have been one of the NBA’s most intriguing young teams over the past two seasons, but star forward Paolo Banchero believes the franchise has officially crossed into a new tier.
Speaking with ESPN ahead of the 2025–26 season, the 22‑year‑old set bold expectations for Orlando’s future.
“Once Bane and T‑Jones were acquired, and then even seeing the rookies we drafted, I would say once this new team was kinda formed, you look at the roster, you look at guys on the team, and you say this is a contender for sure,” Banchero said.
Paolo: “Once this new team was kinda formed, you look at the roster, you look at guys on the team and you say this is a contender for sure” pic.twitter.com/vDJdm7RNIO
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 6, 2025
The Magic made one of the summer’s splashiest moves by trading for Desmond Bane, one of the league’s premier shooters and a proven two‑way guard. They also added veteran point guard Tyus Jones, whose steady playmaking and leadership should stabilize Orlando’s backcourt. Combined with the development of Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, the Magic suddenly boast one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando finished 41‑41 last year, good enough for a play‑in berth, but fell short in the first round against the eventual champion Boston Celtics. While the loss stung, it also highlighted how close the Magic were to breaking through. With Banchero averaging nearly 26 points per game and Wagner continuing to grow into an All‑Star caliber wing, the foundation was already in place.
Now, with Bane’s shooting stretching defenses and Jones providing veteran stability, Orlando’s offense looks far more dynamic.
Banchero’s comments reflect not only confidence in the roster but also his evolution as the face of the franchise. Entering his fourth season, the former No. 1 overall pick has already established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. By publicly embracing championship expectations, he’s signaling that the Magic are no longer content with being a “nice young team.”
