Banchero and Wagner Set to Lead Magic’s New Chapter
The Orlando Magic are entering a new season with renewed energy, and central to their aspirations are the dynamic duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. As they embark on their fourth year together, the significance of their partnership looms larger than ever. The Magic’s journey this season will largely depend on the impact these two players can make on the court.
A Promising Preseason Finale
In the final preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Banchero and Wagner showcased their potential, igniting excitement for the upcoming regular season. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley lauded their performance, emphasizing the synergy and basketball IQ displayed by the pair. “To start the game, I thought it was great. I thought we pushed the pace, I thought we guarded at a nice clip. I just really am proud of how they’re sharing the basketball,” Mosley noted after the game, highlighting their ability to make the right plays.
Offensive Chemistry in Focus
The Magic wasted no time establishing dominance in the preseason finale, building a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Wagner reflected on the team’s offensive rhythm, noting, “I thought the first quarter was really good. Offensively, I thought we played good all game – great pace, sharing the ball, finding the next action.” Despite acknowledging some defensive inconsistencies, he remained optimistic about the lessons learned through their mistakes, which are crucial for growth as they approach the regular season.
Pushing the Pace
This season, the Magic are intent on adopting a faster offensive strategy, believing it will pave the way for increased scoring opportunities. Wagner expressed confidence in their ability to balance speed with control, stating, “I think the effort is there. I think we’re trying to do as much as we can. Obviously, it’s not perfect. Probably too many turnovers at the end but again, a couple of these, I think we can cut down and overall, I think we’re playing great offense honestly.”
The Road Ahead
While the Magic’s offense is still a work in progress, the leadership of Banchero and Wagner will be fundamental to their success. If they can continue to elevate their game and create opportunities for their teammates, Orlando could find itself in a favorable position this season.
The Magic kick off their regular season on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET against the Miami Heat at the Kia Center, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting campaign. With the right momentum behind them, Banchero and Wagner are ready to guide the Magic toward new heights.
