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The Orlando Magic took a huge step forward in the 2023-24 campaign, thanks in large part to the growth of star forward Paolo Banchero. After bowing out of the playoffs after losing their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games, though, the front office has some clear areas of need that they will be looking to address over the next few months.
Easily the biggest need on the Magic’s roster is three-point shooting, as they shot just 35.2 percent from behind the arc, which was the lowest among teams that qualified for the playoffs. Finding a combo guard who can move the ball and shoot the three at a high rate is precisely what Orlando needs this offseason, and with the team reportedly locking in on D’Angelo Russell as a potential target, some recent comments from Banchero help show why they are interested in bringing him on board should he hit the open market.
“There is a clear need for an overhaul in the shooting department, and Orlando could benefit from adding guards with playmaking and floor-spacing capabilities. ‘… Having a guy who can set the table and be reliable,’ Magic star Paolo Banchero told The Washington Post recently. ‘We have a lot of talented guys who can make shots and make plays: me, Franz (Wagner) and Jalen Suggs. I would rather be more of an offensive hub than the point guard if that makes sense.’”
“Orlando is interested in Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, league sources tell The Athletic. Russell has an $18.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season he can opt out of if he chooses to test the open market.” – Kelly Iko, The Athletic
Paolo Banchero highlights D’Angelo Russell’s fit with Magic
While his struggles in the postseason with the Los Angeles Lakers will likely leave a bad taste in the mouths of many fans, Russell put together a strong body of work with LA in the regular season (18 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.1 RPG, 45.6 FG%). Beyond that, he also shot a career-high 41.5 percent from behind the arc, so his ability to find his teammates for open looks, while also knocking down threes at a high clip, is precisely what Orlando is looking for.
Russell isn’t a lock to hit the open market, as he has a player option in his deal that he could opt into, but if there are other teams interested in him, he’d probably be better off testing free agency and seeing if he could earn a bigger new deal from a different team. Chances are if Russell opts out of his deal, he won’t be returning to the Lakers.
There will be other guys the Magic can target if Russell doesn’t hit the open market, but he seems like a strong first option for them to target. Banchero seemed to have someone like Russell in mind when discussing what Orlando needs this offseason, so now it will be on the front office to go out and deliver by bringing in players who can help the Magic build off of their strong campaign.
More must-reads:
- Knicks expected to extend Tom Thibodeau
- Celtics could add highly respected coach as Charles Lee replacement
- The 'Most three-pointers made in the playoffs' quiz
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