Next steps for Orlando Magic: Should they make a play for Klay Thompson?
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson.
Despite losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic should be very happy with their current situation.
Orlando, which finished 47-35 during the regular season, is ahead of schedule and its promising start to a rebuild means this rising team can take any number of routes this offseason.
The right path
Orlando played with house money in the playoffs. To capture the fifth seed, win multiple playoff games against a good Cavaliers team and watch the franchise’s young star, Paolo Banchero, have some of the greatest games of his career, well, that’s terrific.
Even better, the Magic have a clear road to becoming an even stronger team: shoot more accurately.
In 2023-24, Orlando was 24th in three-point percentage and last in made threes. That the Magic were minutes from the second round of the playoffs while being one of the worst shooting teams in the league is an accomplishment in itself.
Prioritizing three-point shooting in the offseason is crucial for Orlando to make the next leap, but there’s no rush because Banchero is 21, and Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs are 22.
The Magic don’t need to be a title contender next season, but they must continue growing at the pace they have and get improved play from core players.
Hey, Klay Thompson?
A good way to shore up your shooting problems is to add one of the best shooters of all time to your roster. There have been rumblings about Thompson and the Magic having a mutual interest in joining forces this summer when the four-time NBA champion will be an unrestricted free agent. Plus, a veteran presence in this young lineup would certainly reap its benefits.
Stay cool
There’s no reason for Orlando to panic this offseason, as things are going according to plan. The team’s No. 1 overall pick, Banchero, is on the cusp of becoming a superstar, and the other lottery picks flanking him are finding the roles they play best.
Giving a big contract to Thompson would be fine, but there’s no reason to force a move for the sake of making a move.
A season similar to 2023-24 would be acceptable next season for a young Magic team that management has rebuilt flawlessly. This team — which has gone from 21 to 22 to 34 to 47 wins over the past four seasons — is already on the precipice of becoming something special.
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