After two character building first round exits, the Orlando Magic just might be ready to take the leap.

The Magic regressed in terms of their record this past season (41-41), but this was more because of the various injuries to their roster rather than an indication of their quality as a team. Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs appeared in only 46 and 35 regular season games, respectively, while Franz Wagner was only available for 60 contests.

Come the postseason, Orlando had to face the second seed and 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics who eliminated them in five hard-fought games. The Magic were overwhelmed by the Celtics, but showed grit and determination throughout the series. The limitations of Orlando’s roster became apparent, particularly their lack of shooting and playmaking, which made it imperative for their front office to make some moves in the offseason.

So far, they have done a solid job this summer to address the team’s needs, acquiring shooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. The 27-year-old Bane is a career 41.0% three-point shooter and fits in perfectly into the Magic’s current roster. Aside from being an excellent perimeter threat, he can also create his own shot and is increasingly improving as a playmaker as well. Last year, Bane put up 19.2 points on 48.4% field goal shooting along with 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 69 appearances for the Grizzlies.

The presence of Bane should open up driving lanes for Banchero and Wagner, while also giving Orlando enough firepower to keep up with the best teams in the Eastern Conference. He and the ever-improving Jalen Suggs will form one of the most physically imposing backcourts in the NBA and their ability to mesh with one another may very well be the determining factor on how far this team can go.

Aside from Bane, the Magic also brought in veteran guard Tyus Jones on a one-year, $7 million deal. Jones and Bane have history with one another from their time together with the Grizzlies from 2020 to 2023 which should make their transition with their new team much easier.

Jones is entering his 11th season in the league and is coming off a pair of seasons with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns with whom he played heavy minutes as a starter. With Orlando, he is expected to return to a reserve role, but should continue to play heavy minutes on this Orlando team that does not have many playmaking guards at its disposal.

The addition of Jones and his steady hand is an underrated addition for this Magic team. Given all of Orlando’s offensive weapons, having a pass-first player such as the 29-year-old Jones to distribute the ball is essential.

This Magic team could make a deep playoff run in the wide open Eastern Conference this coming season. Banchero and Wagner are expected to continue their rise to stardom while their steady guard rotation of Bane, Suggs, and Jones significantly raises the team’s floor.

Something special is brewing in Orlando and another era of relevance should be on the way sooner rather than later.