Magic GM Anthony Parker Not Satisfied Despite Playoff Appearance

A division title and playoff berth were great, Orlando Magic General Manger Anthony Parker says, but "we haven't arrived. [We're] celebrating the progress and everything, but we're not done and we want to continue to get better."

Jan 13, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) talks to head coach Jamahl Mosley during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports | Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO — While the Orlando Magic's return to the NBA playoffs was a significant step forward, General Manager Anthony Parker says the team has greater goals.

"We know internally, Coach [Jamahl] Mosley, [President of Basketball Operations] Jeff Weltman, our players will be the first to tell you we haven't done what we want to do yet," Parker said on the Orlando Magic Pod Squad. "We haven't arrived. [We're] celebrating the progress and everything, but we're not done and we want to continue to get better."

The 2023-24 season was a revelation. The Magic finished 47-35, won the Southeastern Division, and pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to a playoff Game 7 — all while being led by a trio of players 23 years and younger.

This offseason, the Magic have nearly $50 million in cap space — third-most in the NBA — to possibly add proven veteran talent to their core of All-Star forward Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and All-Defensive team memberJalen Suggs.

For the first time in a while, Orlando is a desirable destination with the financial flexibility to court free agents such as Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, and Sacramento Kings scorer/playmaker Malik Monk.

"I hope to be in a lot of conversations that several years ago we weren’t able to be a part of," Parker said.

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