The Eastern Conference features several title contenders, but the Orlando Magic are also an intriguing team to watch out for heading into the 2023-24 season.
The Magic features the reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner who are both coming off solid performances in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Banchero and Wagner are clear franchise cornerstones that Orlando can build around and they’ve also got other young pieces like Anthony Black and Jett Howard who have promise and projectable NBA skills.
As things stand, the Magic appear at least a couple of years from seriously competing in the playoffs but the foundation is there for them to take a leap this season.
The forward position looks settled, but the center spot could perhaps use a little more depth behind Wendall Carter Jr.
In that respect, Dwight Howard said he would welcome a return to his former team.
“Yeah I would definitely want to come back and be a part of the Magic and what they’re tryna accomplish in Orlando now,” Howard said via ClutchPoints.
Dwight Howard says he’s open to returning to the Magic:
“Yeah I would definitely want to come back and be a part of the Magic and what they’re tryna accomplish in Orlando now.”
(h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/6DERmnELpm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 30, 2023
Howard flirted with a return to the league as he worked out for and met with the Golden State Warriors though the team ultimately ended up passing on giving him a contract.
There haven’t been any indications that the Magic are willing to bring on Howard, though the fit makes a little sense considering the state of the roster.
Right now, Moe Wagner and Goga Bitadze are the projected backup centers and while they’ve shown flashes they aren’t quite the rim protectors that every team in the league is looking for.
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