Star forward thinks Magic should 'easily' be top-four seed in East

The Orlando Magic are an exciting young team with the potential to be a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. The young duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner anchors their roster with both forwards having genuine All-Star upside.

Earlier this summer, the Magic landed a big free agent in t wo-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, solidifying their status as a rising team in the league. Nevertheless, Orlando's best chance at success comes from the continuous internal development of its multiple young stars.

During a recent appearance on ESPN's First Take, Banchero shared his belief that the Magic are capable of challenging for a top-three seed in the East next season.

"We feel like we're right there," Banchero said. "We're right there with all those teams...We were right there last year. We got better this year. I got better. All of us got better. We got some new pieces that are gonna help us a lot. We're trying to make some noise. I think we should easily be a top-four, top-three team and have a chance to win the East."

Orlando will face some stern competition for a top-three spot in the Eastern Conference. The New York Knicks are a major threat following the addition of Mikal Bridges while the Philadelphia 76ers will stake their own claim fresh off the addition of Paul George . Of course, the reigning champion Boston Celtics are arguably the best team in the world right now and will undoubtedly be fighting for the top spot once again.

The Eastern Conference projects to be a tough prospect next season. Orlando certainly has the ability to make some noise and potentially gate-crash the top three. However, the Magic are probably still a year or two away from being genuine contenders for the first seed and a real postseason threat.