Paolo Banchero Believes The Magic Are Contenders In The East With The Celtics, Knicks, And 76ers

In a recent appearance on First Take, young swingman Paolo Banchero spoke with confidence about his team's position in the East next season. As he told Stephen A. Smith and Mad Dog Russo, Paolo believes that the Magic are a top-four team in the Conference and that they will be in play for the championship.

"We feel like we're right there with all those teams [Celtics, Knicks, Sixers]," said Paolo. "I remember last year we started off the year as a top three, top two seed and everybody thought it was a fluke. Everybody thought we were gonna be a play-in team and drop out the top of the East but we finished strong and got the 5th seed and had a chance to grab the 2-seed at the end of the season. We were right there last year and got better this year, I got better... I think we should easily be a top 4, top 3 team and have a chance to win the East."

Historically, the Magic haven't accomplished much in the postseason. Aside from a few Finals appearances, the franchise has a very limited track record of success and they've been trying for decades to build a lasting dynasty in the East.

Last season, they finally showed signs of progress. After a hot start to the season, where they were competing for the top spot in the Conference, the Magic put the world on notice and managed to keep their momentum into the spring, when they finished at 47-35 on the season.

In the playoffs, they were one win away from advancing to the East Semi-Finals, but they were ultimately bested in the first round after an explosive performance from Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers. With notable additions such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cory Joseph, the Magic got notably deeper this summer and expect to be a top-six team again next season.

The key to success for the Magic mainly rests on the shoulders of young swingman Paolo Banchero. While he's clearly confident that his team has what it takes, every team needs a leader and he will have to step into that role if the Magic are to have any chance to compete.

Last season, the 21-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game 45.5% shooting. He made his first All-Star team and led the Magic to their best season since the end of the Dwight Howard era.

Between Paolo, Fraz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Magic have a chance to make some serious noise in the East next season and prove themselves as a legitimate challenger to the Eastern favorites such as the Celtics, Knicks, and new-look 76ers.

With everyone overlooking the Magic, this is their chance to shock everyone and pull off the unexpected. With practically no history of success, nobody is going to put much faith in the Magic but Paolo can win over a lot of believers if he lives up to his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick. Only time will tell what he can do, but it's safe to say that he's off to a decent start so far.

Related: Orlando Magic Could Form Powerful Eastern Conference Dynasty With Damian Lillard And Paolo Banchero

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News . We appreciate your support.