The Orlando Magic have quietly become one of the most intriguing teams in the Eastern Conference. With a strong core, a playoff-tested roster, and bold offseason additions, the franchise is building towards something sustainable and serious.

Among those leading the charge is Paolo Banchero, who continues to evolve as both a player and a vocal presence behind the scenes. Entering his third season, Banchero is now steering the team’s direction on and off the court.

Banchero also enters the upcoming season with more than just personal goals, his message being direct:

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

According to Marc Spears, Paolo previously told team president Jeff Weltman that Orlando needed more shooting, depth, and guard play. They answered by landing Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, and Jase Richardson via trade, free agency, and the draft.

And as for staying in Orlando long-term? Banchero also clarified that he “couldn’t be more happy to be a part of the Orlando Magic.” He also added that he “look[s] forward to hopefully spending a lot more years here.”

The Blueprint to Take the East Starts With Paolo’s Playbook

Banchero’s “hopefully taking the East” comment wasn’t just a motivational soundbite, but it hinted at a deeper shift in mindset. While he’s always played with poise beyond his years, this season feels different. There’s a noticeable tone change: from development talk to expectation-setting. And that shift stems from a player no longer just fitting into the system, but actively influencing its direction.

What stands out most is Banchero’s grasp of the bigger picture. Rather than focus solely on his own numbers or usage, he’s keyed in on what elevates the entire team. His call for more perimeter spacing and veteran playmaking shows a strategic awareness that’s typically reserved for seasoned stars. The Orlando Magic as a team shot an abysmal 31.8% from deep last year, logging them as the league’s worst 3-point shooting team by percentage. Banchero pushing Weltman to acquire better shooters for their backcourt shows us that this is leadership rooted not in volume or flash, but in clarity and alignment.

If Orlando’s ceiling rises this year, it won’t be because they stumbled into the right formula. It will be because their best player had a clear idea of what was missing and trusted the organization to help close those gaps. Now, with the pieces in place, it’s time to see how far that vision can carry them.