The Orlando Magic haven’t been part of the Eastern Conference elite for over a decade, but that may be about to change.
Zach Lowe made it clear he believes his Magic squad is built to break through in 2025–26 on the latest episode of The Lowe Post.
“We both no-brainer put Orlando in this tier,” Lowe said to co-host Michael Pina. “Again, in a normal year they would not be here. They’ve not proven enough, they’ve not improved enough offensively. They traded for Desmond Bane – great move, fits like a glove. Still have questions about the bench, but I like the Tyus Jones addition.”
Zach Lowe Ranks Orlando In Tier 1 For The Eastern Conference
“This is Paolo Bancheros time to be one of the three best players in the conference…there’s a definite scenario where he’s on a lot of peoples MVP ballot at the end of this season” – Michael Pina
“Give me all the… pic.twitter.com/lpT26BjQmT
— Huncho Hoops (@HunchoHoops) July 24, 2025
Orlando finished 41–41 last season and took a step forward by pushing Boston in a competitive first-round series.
Now, with Paolo Banchero healthy and new weapons in the mix, expectations are climbing. The front office added Bane to fix their long-standing shooting issue and signed Jones to stabilize the point.
“There’s enough there in terms of staggering the three best players,” Lowe said. “In a playoff setting, when you’re not going to play 10 guys… there’s going to be enough there on the bench between Black and Tyus Jones. We’ll see if Da Silva hits and how much Jonathan Isaac can give. I like their backup centers when healthy.”
Lowe didn’t stop there when it came to Banchero.
“Give me all the Paolo Banchero stock,” he said. “That dude is ready for everything.”
Pina added, “This is Paolo Banchero’s time to be one of the three best players in the conference.”
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