Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic and Hailey Van Lith of the Chicago Sky represent one of basketball's power couples, both making strides in their respective careers. Van Lith shined with a personal best of 16 points against the Connecticut Sun, while Suggs expressed profound admiration for her competitive spirit. He noted how her intensity fuels his ambitions, leading to mutual growth in both their careers.

Van Lith, who has transitioned through multiple college teams, now aims to solidify her role in the WNBA, averaging 5.3 points per game this season. As they approach their next matchup against the Washington Mystics, her breakout performance could signal a turning point in her rookie season.

The recent trade between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic sees Desmond Bane heading to Orlando. Bane, a shooting guard, comes off a season averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, after a previously injury-plagued stint. This move should bolster Orlando's perimeter shooting, enhancing spacing for their rising stars, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies receive multiple draft picks and players, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, but their fantasy value remains questionable.

For Bane, expect a potential uptick in his draft position, likely moving from an ADP of 44 to earlier in drafts, as he is now positioned in a team that requires his offensive consistency. Caldwell-Pope's role might increase following Bane's exit, though his recent performance raises doubts about his standing in fantasy leagues. The fantasy landscape is shifting with this trade, creating opportunities and challenges for various players.

The Orlando Magic are showcasing their potential as one of the NBA’s youngest and most dynamic teams, clinching back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since the 2019-2020 seasons. Their playoff journey was cut short last season, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series, and this year to the Boston Celtics in five games. With a promising core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, the team's future looks bright.

However, following a challenging season plagued by injuries—most notably to Banchero and Wagner, who dealt with torn obliques, and backup center Mo Wagner, who suffered an ACL injury—the Magic are focused on improving their perimeter shooting, where they ranked last in the league during the 2024-2025 season at just 31.5%. This deficiency highlights the need for consistent shooting and the potential for roster changes, including trading players like Cole Anthony and Jonathan Isaac to acquire more seasoned role players, which could help maximize their young talent and foster an even stronger contender in the Eastern Conference.

The Orlando Magic have shown promise as a young team capable of contending for a championship in the near future. They finished the 2024-25 NBA season with a .500 record (41-41) and made the playoffs as the seventh seed, only to be eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics. With consecutive playoff appearances under their belts, the next challenge for the Magic is making the necessary adjustments to elevate their game.

Leading the charge is president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman, who holds the keys to potential roster improvements through available assets. Despite injuries sidelining key players like Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner for significant stretches, the Magic possess draft picks and contracts to be aggressive in their pursuit of external talent. Names like Trae Young and Darius Garland are suggested as potential upgrades in the backcourt, which could bolster their offensive prowess and complement Banchero's skill set.

As the 2025 NBA Draft nears, the Orlando Magic are in a strong position with their defensive core featuring talents like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. They hold the 16th and 25th picks and are considering potential offensive upgrades. Egor Demin from BYU has emerged as an appealing option. At 6-foot-9, he brings not just height but also a playmaking skill set that could enhance the team's offensive flow without overshadowing their current stars.

Demin's game emphasizes vision and adaptability, drawing favorable comparisons to Josh Giddey and even Wagner. He excels at manipulating defenses and creating opportunities for teammates, which was evident during his strong season where he contributed significantly to BYU's Sweet 16 run. His ability to complement existing players rather than compete for ball dominance makes him an intriguing fit for the Magic.