Orlando Magic 2026-2027 guide
With almost no changes, the Magic are heading into a difficult season in a crowded Eastern Conference. Let’s break down Banchero and company from a Fantasy Basketball perspective
The development of the promising Orlando Magic project seems to have hit a sudden wall after the franchise went all-in on a young, easily recognizable starting five that has yet to make the leap many expected.
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Key Players
Last season was a constant personal roller coaster for Paolo Banchero (F, 14.0 cr.): his 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists say little about the major struggles the Italian-American faced during the first part of the season. His difficulties away from the basket still keep him from being ready to establish himself among the league’s elite.
Not surprisingly, the team’s technical and emotional leader quickly became Desmond Bane (G, 11.5 cr.), who averaged 20 points for the first time in his career and improved significantly in handling high-pressure possessions. He has never been a major Dunkest standout, but on the court he is unquestionably one of the central figures for these Magic.
Potential surprises
Only a few too many injuries have slowed the rapid development of Anthony Black (G, 7.0 cr.): after a few injury-plagued seasons early in his career, No. 0 has developed a dangerous perimeter game that has opened up an almost limitless range of offensive possibilities. It is reasonable to expect him to improve on the 15.0 points per game he averaged in 2025-26, perhaps with increasingly frequent appearances in the starting lineup.
Tristan Da Silva (F, 6.0 cr.) has not yet shown the full potential of a high-level 3-and-D player, but he still came close to averaging double figures while shooting well from outside. With increased playing time, the German could significantly improve Orlando’s perimeter threat.
Players to avoid
If the only answer from the market to the franchise’s current stagnation is Nikola Vucevic (C, 10.0 cr.), expecting major overall growth becomes difficult. The Montenegrin is unlikely to recreate the strong stretch he had in Florida several seasons ago and will be nothing more than a backup to the indispensable Wendell Carter Jr. (C, 10.0 cr.).
Projected starting five
PG: Jalen Suggs (Guard, 9.0 Credits)
SG: Desmond Bane (Guard, 11.5 Credits)
SF: Franz Wagner (Forward, 12.0 Credits)
PF: Paolo Banchero (Forward, 14.0 Credits)
C: Wendell Carter Jr. (Center, 10.0 Credits)
Power Ranking
Given the exponential rise in the overall level of the Eastern Conference, bringing back the same roster that disappointed so much last year is a gamble that is unlikely to pay off. The defensive identity remains, but this team continues to struggle offensively: unless Banchero, Wagner or one of the surprise players makes an extraordinary leap, their run will likely end somewhere between the Play-In and the first round.
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