The Magic‘s roster barely changed after finishing eighth in the East and exiting in the first round of the 2025/26 playoffs, but Orlando welcomes new head coach Sean Sweeney, a former Spurs assistant, who has already impressed the squad.
“When I was in Europe, (Sweeney) called me every week, which I thought was awesome, just to chop it up really,” German forward Franz Wagner told a youth camp Sunday, according to Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel. “He was direct, honest, and promised big changes. All good stuff.”
“I’m really excited to see what this new staff brings. After five years with the same coach, we’ll have adjustments and growth. So, I’m excited for that.”
At media day, forward Paolo Banchero revealed Sweeney called him right after being hired and that they held several long talks over the offseason, even flying the new coach to Seattle to spend time together (Twitter via Beede).
According to forward Tristan Da Silva (Twitter via Beede), Sweeney has met every Orlando player and laid out precise role expectations. Da Silva called the approach extremely detailed, structured, and attentive. In my view, Sweeney’s meticulous style could reshape Orlando’s identity.
We have more on the Magic:
- Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, whose 2025/26 season ended early with a left knee sprain, told reporters on Monday he won’t be fully unrestricted at training camp start, per Beede (Twitter). “We’re expecting to be fine,” Isaac said.
- Fourth-year guard Anthony Black is eligible for a rookie‑scale extension until Oct. 19, but on Monday he admitted uncertainty about reaching a deal with the cap‑strapped Magic and isn’t stressing. “If it happens, it happens,” Black said, according to Beede (Twitter).
- After joining Orlando on a buyout in February and carving a regular role, Jevon Carter signed a new one‑year, minimum contract early in free agency. On Monday he called the move a “no‑brainer,” per Beede (Twitter), adding he kept a house nearby hoping to stay with the club.
- The 2026 second‑round pick underwent surgery in July for a left‑ankle fracture suffered at the Las Vegas Summer League. Nelson said on Monday he’s resumed light on‑court work, though basketball‑ops chief Jeff Weltman noted the rookie is probably a month or so from live play. Will he be ready before the season tip‑off?