The Magic already have three young players who appear to have a bright future in the NBA. Paolo Banchero is a superstar in the making, Franz Wagner has All-Star potential, and Jalen Suggs could easily become one of the best two-way guards of this new generation.
With a core like that, it can be tempting to just surround them with role players and depth pieces and see what the core can do. However, that is not the path the Magic should take this summer.
Just look at the Kings, for example. They eventually returned to the playoffs with a solid core of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk, but then decided to make only small moves over the summer rather than receive upgrades. As a result, they missed the playoffs and now Monk could be on his way out.
The Magic are still much younger than the Kings, but they also have a higher ceiling. Now is the time to lay the foundation for years of competing at the highest level in Orlando. Part of that is getting at least one entry-level addition. From here on out, things will only get more difficult for the Magic.
Not only do other teams know what they’re facing now when they face the Magic, but the expectations are also much higher. Most fans expect to see Orlando get past the first round of the playoffs very soon, and that will be difficult without outside help.
This doesn’t mean the Magic should get an All-Star level talent like Paul George, but they need someone who can contribute at a high level. Thus, they have been linked to names such as Malik Monk and Tyus Jones. Neither of them is an All-Star. Instead, they are both impactful players with specific skills.
