Are the Magic ready to leap to being an elite team in the East?

The Magic should be a team on everyone's radar in the upcoming NBA season, as they are a young team that is well-equipped to become one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Not only do they have a player with superstar potential in Paolo Banchero, but his co-star, Franz Wagner, is one of the best small forwards in the NBA. They also succeeded in trading for Desmond Bane, whose scoring and shot-making ability make him a perfect fit for a team that ranked 28th in scoring last season. With key injuries and roster overhauls for several teams in the East, the Magic have the chance to capitalize on what appears to be a wide-open Eastern Conference.

For the Magic to become an elite team, they first need their best player to take the next step in his career. With his immense talent, it’s only a matter of time before this happens. Last season, Banchero averaged a career-high 25.9 points per game, but he played in just 46 games due to injury. For the Magic to reach their maximum potential, they will need Paolo to stay healthy for the majority of the season. One area of Paolo's game that I expect to improve in his fourth NBA season is his scoring efficiency, particularly as a three-point shooter, where he shot 32% last year.

The trade for Desmond Bane is an ideal move for a team in need of his skill set. Bane has a career three-point shooting percentage of 41%, which is promising for a Magic team that ranked last in the league with a 31.8% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Additionally, the Magic struggled offensively, finishing third-worst in both points per game and field goal percentage. By adding an efficient and talented player who can serve as a second or third option in most games, the Magic will introduce a much-needed level of versatility to their offense.

Due to injuries in Boston and Indiana, along with changes to Milwaukee's roster, I believe the main contenders standing in their way are the Cavaliers and Knicks. Beyond those two teams, no other team clearly poses a threat on paper, although teams like the Hawks and Pistons could create some challenges. The Magic have not won a playoff series since the 2009-10 season, when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals. However, this year, they have an opportunity to do something special and potentially surprise everyone. The Magic possess the potential to make a deep playoff run with their most talented roster in years.