As the Sixers’ 2024-25 roster takes shape following a franchise-changing free agency, it’s time to assess their competition in the Eastern Conference. Among last season’s playoff teams, which pose the greatest threats to the revamped Sixers, and how will they match up against this new look team?
Ranking fifth in this evaluation are the Orlando Magic, boasting one of the most promising young cores in the league, complemented by a key veteran addition this offseason.
Roster Changes
The Magic appeared to be strong contenders for Paul George before he chose the Sixers. Nonetheless, Orlando made significant moves, acquiring a veteran to address their needs and solidifying their roster with familiar faces:
Acquisitions: Tristan da Silva (No. 18 pick in NBA Draft), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (free agency), Cory Joseph (free agency)
Returning: Mo Wagner, Gary Harris, Goga Bitadze
Extensions: Franz Wagner (five years, $224.2 million), Jonathan Isaac (five years, $85.3 million)
Departures: Markelle Fultz, Joe Ingles
Orlando made strategic moves by signing Caldwell-Pope, securing Isaac’s future with a lucrative extension, and retaining key players. These decisions strengthen their lineup and provide flexibility for the team moving forward.
The Magic’s roster includes versatile assets like Harris, Wagner, and Bitadze, accompanied by rising stars such as Isaac and Wagner, who signed multi-year extensions.
Depth Chart Projection
With their 15-man roster set, Coach Jamahl Mosley has a lineup that shows depth and versatility:
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
| Jalen Suggs | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Franz Wagner | Paolo Banchero | Wendell Carter Jr. |
| Cole Anthony | Gary Harris | Anthony Black | Jonathan Isaac | Mo Wagner |
| Cory Joseph | Jett Howard | Tristan da Silva | Caleb Houstan | Goga Bitadze |
The Magic’s deep bench offers flexibility and various playing options across positions, setting them up for diverse matchups and game strategies.
An intriguing aspect for Orlando is the competition for the final wing spot, adding excitement and depth to their rotation.
Matchup Analysis with the Sixers
While lacking a dominant center like Joel Embiid, Orlando boasts strong perimeter defenders who could challenge the Sixers’ offense. Players like Suggs, Isaac, and Wagner provide defensive solutions against Maxey and George, with Caldwell-Pope and Harris balancing the defensive load.
Orlando’s roster is positioned to pursue star talent through trades, leveraging their young assets and contracts. Adding a playmaking guard could elevate their offensive capabilities, complementing Wagner and Banchero’s skills.
Potential targets like Trae Young or Anfernee Simons could boost Orlando’s lineup, enhancing their scoring and playmaking dynamics.
While the Sixers currently hold a talent advantage over the Magic, a playoff showdown between the two teams promises an exciting matchup worth watching.
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