Magic Ex Nick Anderson Believes Orlando Can Be 'Trouble'
The Orlando Magic is set to enter the 2023-24 season with no shortage of optimism for what the team can achieve. With an impressive young core established led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, can the group take the next step?
Among the believers in the Magic's immediate potential is former player Nick Anderson, who shared his thoughts with reporters at the team's recent uniform unveiling event at Amway Center.
"I'm expecting big things, I really am," Anderson said. Talent wise. I think we match up all across the board. I don't care what team you speak of. You look at the talent on this roster. I think you match up across the board."
With more experience for the roster overall, the Magic is in a position where a leap is expected, but how soon? With a coaching staff that is intentional about player development, Anderson sees the circumstances being present for that leap to occur this season.
"We're young. I think we're exciting," Anderson said. "You have games on your belt. You might not have playoff games, but you have a coaching staff that's good teachers."
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Despite much of the Magic's roster being 25 or younger to start the season, Anderson wants to see instant impact.
"Don't use the excuse of being young," Anderson said. "You only can use that for so much. I'm expecting big things."
One factor that Anderson highlighted as being pivotal to potential success for the Magic is health. As long as the team's key players do not miss an extended period of time, he is confident in the group.
"People might not come out and say it, but me personally, I'm expecting some really big things," Anderson said. "But you have to have to stay healthy. ... You know you're going to have your bumps and bruises on down the line somewhere. If this team stays healthy, it could be trouble."
The Magic begin its regular season on Oct. 25 with a home matchup against the Houston Rockets.
