The Orlando Magic opened training camp on Saturday with Media Day, where they introduced several fresh faces and old cogs who will play crucial roles for the team’s success this coming season.
President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman kicked started the event with an interview, explaining the front-office’s decision to retain most of the personnel from last season’s run instead of signing a marquee free agent or swinging for a blockbuster trade.
Weltman stressed that continuity matters greatly for the team, who finished with a 47-35 record last season and pushed the No.4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers to the limit in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
"They believe in one another. They enjoy one another. … That continuity matters greatly."
President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman on the team's continuity entering the 2024-25 season 🪄 pic.twitter.com/cfzG5eXEeB
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
Like Weltman said, the Magic will put a premium on continuity and internal growth for this coming season. However, the Magic did bring in a player who they think can help them shore up their perimeter defense and outside shooting while instilling championship pedigree to their culture.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who inked a three-year, $66 million contract, was all business at Media Day, relishing the opportunity to wear the Magic Road outfit for the first time.
looking good @CaldwellPope 👀 pic.twitter.com/KxJtZgAh1m
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
KCP 🪄 https://t.co/2DhrNSjKB1 pic.twitter.com/bHAS0tdoht
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
Jalen Suggs could not help but to smile throughout the event. The dynamic guard out of Gonzaga is entering his fourth NBA season, where he will likely play heavier minutes at the point guard spot following the departure of Markelle Fultz.
J.Suggs 🤟 pic.twitter.com/RpGKh5nWkd
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
"I'm excited to take on the task."@jalensuggs on the journey of a new season 🗣️ https://t.co/FDfQvfhha4 pic.twitter.com/bnsi54EoMD
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
Wagner Brothers Back from Terrific Olympic Run
The Wagner Brothers, Franz and Mo, have returned to the fold after helping Germany reach the semis of the 2024 Olympics.
After signing a lucrative five-year. $224 million contract, bigger things are expected from Franz Wagner in year No.4. The versatile big man finished as the second leading scorer for the Magic, averaging 19.7 points on 48% field goal shooting. Mo Wagner, Franz’s older brother, will also be in his fourth season with the Magic, where he has earned a reputation for tough defense and consistent scoring in the second unit.
Franz + Moe 🫶 pic.twitter.com/2LriyxQ2YT
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
year 4 pic.twitter.com/ZCfLIjA1Ik
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
Big Year Starts for Paolo Banchero
This is going to be a big year for Paolo Banchero, who has established himself as the franchise player of the team. The former No.1 overall pick is eligible for a contract extension next summer, so making the All-NBA team should be his primary individual goal for this season.
Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists to earn his first All-Star appearance in only his second NBA season. In his first postseason, Banchero took his game to another level, scoring 27 points on 45 percent shooting in seven games vs. the Cavs.
…. year 3 https://t.co/yvYbwrrZ1j pic.twitter.com/3lEtWbW0JH
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
Jonathan Isaac – Magic’s Defensive Player of the Year Candidate
Jonathan Isaac will have a bigger role to fill this 2024-25 season, as the Magic hopes he will continue his transformation into an elite stopper and contend for the Defensive Player of the Year. Despite missing so many games due to injuries, Isaac signed a four-year, $69 million deal with the Magic last summer.
year 8 for @JJudahIsaac 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6DbZhlAmGO
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
More Photos and Videos from Media Day
💳💥💳💥💳💥💳💥 pic.twitter.com/kHKD1mlbsr
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 30, 2024
The Orlando Magic will begin their preseason against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 7 and kick off the regular-season against intra-state rival, the Miami Heat, on October 23 in Miami.
THE CONVERSATION.