Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero gave an honest assessment of his team, saying that they simply aren’t good enough to win in the playoffs.
The Magic had a 3-1 series lead against the Detroit Pistons, but choked it away and lost the series 4-3 on Sunday in Detroit. While few gave Orando much of a chance heading into the series since they were a No. 8 seed taking on the No. 1 seed, the team had a huge lead in the series and then coughed it up, which added to the frustration. They also had a massive lead in Game 6, but blew it historically, allowing the Pistons to regain their momentum and steal the series back.
Paolo Banchero Says Magic Aren’t Good Enough
Immediately after the Magic were eliminated from the playoffs, Banchero spoke to the media, and he was asked if he thinks the team, as currently constructed, is good enough to win in the playoffs and make a legitimate run for an NBA Championship. Although the former No. 1 overall pick wants to believe they are, after three straight first-round exits for the team, he can’t say that’s the case.
“I can’t really answer that. I want to say yes, but we haven’t been out of the first round in the, so if you’re going off the last three years, the answer is no. The nice answer would be yes, but honestly speaking, I can’t say that we’re good enough to be in the finals or Eastern finals, because for the last three years, we’ve had the same result. So, that’s your answer,” Banchero said.
“I want to say yes, but we haven’t been out of the first round … I can’t say we’re good enough to be in the Finals or Eastern Finals because the last three years we’ve had the same result.”
Magic Need to Make Big Changes This Offseason
The first order of business for the Magic is to make a decision on head coach Jamahl Mosley. The 47-year-old coach has been leading the Magic since the 2021-22 season, and after missing the playoffs his first two seasons coaching the squad, they have made the playoffs the last three seasons. However, as Banchero mentioned, they have not won a single playoff series in that stretch. While Mosley’s regular-season success coaching the Magic has been impressive, the fact that the team has failed so often in the playoffs makes it seem likely he will be fired from his position. The decision to fire Mosley could be made in the next few days.
Otherwise, the team needs to improve its roster around Banchero. Last offseason, they paid a hefty price for Desmond Bane, and he had a very good year for them. Franz Wagner should be back to full health next season, which also helps, and then you have other valuable rotation players like Wendell Carter Jr. in the mix. But the Magic also need to decide on what to do with Anthony Black, as he is due for a potential contract extension. The team also needs to figure out their situation with Jonathan Isaac, who is a talented defender yet one who is both expensive and injury-prone.
After another blown playoff opportunity, the Magic will likely look much different next year, both on the bench and in the locker room.
Paolo Banchero Gives Honest Assessment of Orlando Magic