The Orlando Magic are looking to rebound from an injury-riddled season and build on their memorable playoff run, now led by new head coach Sean Sweeney after parting with Jamahl Mosley in May. The team’s offensive consistency was hampered last season as stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missed significant time. Orlando’s biggest offseason move was hiring Sweeney, a well-regarded San Antonio Spurs assistant, to unlock scoring while maintaining their elite defensive foundation.

The Magic reacquired Nikola Vucevic on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to space the floor for Banchero, Wagner, and Desmond Bane, while retaining their core five: Banchero, Wagner, Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr.—who logged just 182 minutes together last season due to injuries. Key departures include Moritz Wagner, who left for Brooklyn, and Jett Howard. Orlando slipped from 2nd to 13th in defensive efficiency last season, and Sweeney’s experience with the Bucks and Mavericks raises hopes for improved offensive execution.

The Magic aim to return to contention in the East, hinging on health, internal development, and Sweeney’s ability to coax more efficient scoring from their young stars. ESPN’s offseason preview series continues through Sept. 18, with team-by-team analysis rolling out weekly.