The Orlando Magic’s 2024-25 NBA season was a mix of resilience and challenges, marked by a promising young core, significant injuries, and a solid defensive identity, but offensive struggles. Below is a detailed breakdown of the good and the bad aspects of their season performance.
The Good
Defensive Prowess:
The Magic boasted the second-best defense in the NBA, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder in defensive rating. Their size, versatility, and effort under coach Jamahl Mosley allowed them to stifle elite offenses, establishing a defensive identity that kept them competitive despite offensive limitations. Players like Jalen Suggs, a 2023-24 All-Defensive Second Team member, and Jonathan Isaac, who played 71 games and returned to elite defensive form, were key contributors.
Playoff Berth and Division Title:
Despite adversity, the Magic clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive year with a 120–95 play-in tournament win over the Atlanta Hawks on April 15, 2025. They also secured the Southeast Division title for the second straight season after defeating the Boston Celtics on April 9, 2025. This consistency highlights their ability to compete in the Eastern Conference, finishing with a 41-41 record, good for seventh in the East.
Resilience Amid Injuries:
The Magic faced significant injuries, with Paolo Banchero missing two months due to a torn oblique, Franz Wagner missing 20 games with a similar injury, Jalen Suggs sidelined for over half the season, and Moe Wagner suffering a season-ending ACL rupture. Despite these setbacks, they remained competitive, with a 16-8 record at one point, showcasing depth and grit. Players like Goga Bitadze stepped up, averaging 10.3 points and 8.8 rebounds during a stretch from November to January.
Young Core Development:
Paolo Banchero, a first-time All-Star in 2023-24, and Franz Wagner, who showed superstar potential during Banchero’s absence, continued to anchor the team. Rookie Tristan da Silva, the No. 18 draft pick, exceeded expectations by starting 38 games and averaging 7.2 points, proving his readiness as a floor-spacing forward. The team’s youth and upside remain a cornerstone for future growth.
Key Additions:
The signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP), a two-time NBA champion, bolstered the backcourt with his three-and-D capabilities, pairing well with Suggs to form one of the league’s best defensive backcourts. The draft selections of da Silva and Antonio Reeves (No. 47 pick) added depth and potential.
Late-Season Offensive Improvement:
After a March 16 win over Cleveland, the Magic improved their three-point shooting, making 46.1% of wide-open attempts (third-best in the NBA during that span), compared to a season-long 31.8% from three, the worst in the league in nearly a decade. This late surge suggests potential for offensive growth.
The Bad
Offensive Struggles:
The Magic’s offense was a significant weakness, ranking 22nd in offensive rating and dead last in three-pointers made. Their 31.8% three-point shooting was historically poor, and they struggled with open shots, converting only 35.1% of attempts with the closest defender at least six feet away. The lack of a true point guard and reliance on Banchero (5.4 assists per game in 2023-24) for playmaking exacerbated these issues.
Injury Toll:
Injuries to key players derailed momentum. Banchero’s two-month absence, Wagner’s 20-game absence, Suggs’ season-ending knee cartilage tear, and Moe Wagner’s ACL injury disrupted lineups and chemistry. Suggs’ injury was particularly devastating, as he was considered the “heart and soul” of the team, leading to a dip in morale and performance.
Inconsistent Record:
The Magic finished with a 41-41 record, a step back from their 47-35 mark in 2023-24, failing to improve on their previous win total after a loss to the Houston Rockets on March 10, 2025. A 10-21 record since Christmas, with a 30th-ranked offensive rating and 27th-ranked net rating, highlighted their struggles, making them a “non-serious threat” in the East during that stretch.
Playoff Disappointment:
Despite reaching the playoffs, the Magic lost in the first round to the defending champion Boston Celtics in five games. Their inability to compete against a top-tier team exposed offensive limitations and a lack of playoff-ready depth, especially with Suggs sidelined.
Underperforming Veterans:
Wendell Carter Jr. had a disappointing season, averaging a career-low 9.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 68 games, losing his starting role to Bitadze at times. KCP’s production also dipped, with a 42.6% field goal percentage (his worst since 2017-18) and lower scoring (8.7 points per game) compared to his Denver tenure.
Lack of All-Defensive Recognition:
Despite their elite defense, no Magic players received All-Defensive honors, a surprising snub given their second-best defensive ranking. This lack of individual recognition may reflect a broader perception issue despite their collective defensive success.
