Paolo Banchero Sends Clear Message to Magic For Next Season

Paolo Banchero Sends Clear Message to Magic For Next Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero sent a message about what he wants to happen in the next season. With a promising 2024-25 campaign, Banchero believes that the Magic can take over the Eastern Conference next season.

Last season, Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic showed promising potential. With Banchero as the team's best player, they believe they can take a step forward and become one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

This summer, the team addressed one of their major concerns, which was outside shooting. Although they had Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, he struggled to be a threat from deep; especially during the playoffs, where he posted five points on 26.1% shooting from deep in the postseason.

Paolo Banchero is Determined to Contend For an NBA Title

Banchero understands that he is the team's foundation moving forward. That is why he knows that now is the time to take the next step, while the Eastern Conference is wide open.

“I’m just looking forward to competing, man, at a high level, you know, going to hopefully… take the East,” Banchero said.

Paolo Banchero on what he’s looking forward to this upcoming season 👀

“Just looking forward to competing at a high level — hopefully taking the East… Desmond Bane is a hell of a player.”

(h/t @SleeperOrlando) pic.twitter.com/M02IPjgs5F

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 4, 2025

There isn't a formidable threat in the East. The Boston Celtics aren't the same team with an injured Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford won't be part of the group anymore.

The Milwaukee Bucks recently waived Damian Lillard, leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo as the lone star on the team. The Philadelphia 76ers are still struggling with the health of Joel Embiid and Paul George. Even the Indiana Pacers, the team that made it to the Finals last season, are expected not to be competitive, as Tyrese Haliburton will miss the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon.

With the East wide open, the Magic made smart moves by adding Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane to address their weak outside shooting. This gives Banchero enough help to contend for the championship and potentially emerge as a threat in the conference.

Related: Magic Guard 'Excited' to Play With Newly Formed Team

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.