Based on expectations, injuries, and youth, I'm not sure how you could grade the Magic season anything other than an "A" to this point.
Orlando started 5-20 and thanks to the return of Markelle Fultz, Mo Wagner's (and Bol Bol's) emergence, the continued development of Jalen Suggs, and the overall consistency from their core players..the Magic have battled their way to a 24-35 record as we head into All-Star Weekend.
The Magic lacked depth early on and stumbled out of the gate, which will most likely cost them a Play-In Tournament spot, a goal that Kravitz and I set on "In The Zone" prior to the season. However, we've gotten to see what it looks like with everyone healthy and the team has gotten some marquee wins this season, giving us a lot of reasons to believe in the future of the program.
The Magic are way ahead of schedule and I'm already beating my chest about cap space, draft picks, and making a Playoff run next season. It'll be nice to get to see Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner represent the organization in the Rising Stars competition this weekend, as P5 will also take part in the Skills Competition.
In the podcast clip below, Kravitz and I discuss the tough loss in Toronto and Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel gives his take on the Magic landscape at this juncture.
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