ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic are officially back with the start of training camp for the 2024-25 season.
All players were at the AdventHealth Training Center on Tuesday with anticipation for the new season. The Magic will play four preseason games, two being at the Kia center on Friday, Oct. 11, and Friday, Oct. 18.
“I thought today was very good,” Head Coach Jamahl Mosley said after practice. “The guys had a high level of concentration, a level of focus to what it is we know we’re trying to accomplish for today’s goal. I really do like their energy and their enthusiasm.”
The Magic went 47-35 and earned the No. 5 seed in the Playoffs last season. However, the trip to the postseason was a short one, losing the best-of-seven series 4-3 to the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now armed with postseason experience, the players know the “Magic standard,” starting with a defense-first mindset. The team finished as a top-3 defense, and guard Jalen Suggs earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team.
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“I think this camp, guys are fresher,” forward Paolo Banchero said. “Guys are more ready to jump right into our team concepts. I think the coaches are also moving at a quicker pace. So that’s on us to be able to learn on the fly. But I think this being our third year together, we’ll be able to do that.”
Banchero is entering his third year with the Magic. The former No. 1 overall draft pick was named an NBA All-Star last season, after being named Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season.
In the offseason, the Magic acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Denver Nuggets. The two-time NBA Champion looks to bring experience and vocal leadership to the young and growing team.
“Just being here, I’m excited as I can be,” Caldwell-Pope said. “I’m ready to get back at it. Training camp today went great. I had a great day, and I feel great. I’m just ready and excited.”
The Magic start the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Miami Heat. The first home game is Friday, Oct. 25, against the Brooklyn Nets.
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