The Magic Insider

Magic Predicted To Land All-Star Guard Running Out Of Time To Win NBA Championship

Anthony Pasciolla|
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-Imagn Images
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-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic continue to progress toward title contention but are still a few offensive-minded pieces away from coming out of the Eastern Conference victorious.

Orlando's backcourt is filled with tenacious, off-ball guards who don't offer much scoring assistance to the forward tandem of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. It's obvious a sparkplug in the starting lineup or second unit could work wonders for Magic coach Jamahl Mosley's system.

Luckily for the Magic, one explosive guard in search of his first NBA championship just became available.

Magic Predicted To Land Russell Westbrook

While Russell Westbrook could still return to the Denver Nuggets after a bounceback 2025 campaign, he declined his player option to enter unrestricted free agency.

PFSN predicts the Magic could bring in Westbrook not only as an on-court contributor but also as a leader in the locker room. He is a nine-time All-Star and MVP who, at 36 years old, can offer an incredible amount of mentorship to young Magic guards Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Anthony Black.

Westbrook could finish off his career embracing a Chris Paul-like role, where he pursues a ring while also raising the level of the next generation.

His ability to teach others and offer energy outside of games should not deter Magic fans from recognizing the impact he'll have on the floor. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds on 44.9 percent shooting in 75 games this season.

There's no denying his inconsistencies offensively or his inability to help the Magic's woeful outside shooting, but if the asking price is right, Orlando should heavily consider signing him.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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