Team News

Dan Savage

ORLANDO –&nbsp;In just 18 days, the Orlando Magic will begin training camp. &nbsp;

In only 25 days, the team will take the floor for their first preseason game.&nbsp;

And in just over one month, the Magic will officially tip off the 35th&nbsp;season in franchise history when they face the Houston Rockets at Amway Center.&nbsp;

In honor of that milestone, the Magic held a celebration event at Amway Center on Friday morning and unveiled a&nbsp;new uniform&nbsp;and court for the 2023-24 season.&nbsp;

Magic CEO Alex Martins, guard Jalen Suggs, Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw, and team legends Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson were all on hand for the unveiling and to discuss some of their favorite moments in franchise history in front of 35-year season ticket holders, 35-year partners, and members of the organization’s staff.&nbsp;

“This was a really special day and a great way to tip off our 35th&nbsp;anniversary celebration,” said Martins. “To have many of our legends back and share old memories and see old highlights. It seems like yesterday that we started in 1989 and here we are 35 years later. It’s going to be a great year of celebration and we’re going to have a lot of our legends back. We’re really looking forward to it.”&nbsp;

Each of the players in attendance were donned with uniforms from their era. Suggs sported the new 35th&nbsp;anniversary classic edition uniform, which paid homage to the style worn by the team from 1998-2003, including the beloved Heart & Hustle era.&nbsp;

“I love it, I love,” said Suggs of the new uniforms, which have the retro Magic wordmark splashed across the jersey’s front, the iconic star continuing throughout the design, and the vintage pinstripes racing along each side. “For us young guys, the new generation that feels like we’re getting ready to take that next step as a team, I don’t think there’s any better way to do it and set it up than to go to the throwbacks. Pay homage to all the O.G.s and people who laid the foundation for this organization. For us to come in as a team and continue to carry their tradition, get Amway rocking and bring some wins in here.”&nbsp;

The Magic also unveiled the new court design that will be featured during all classic night home games when the team will also rock the corresponding uniforms. &nbsp;

“I love it,” said Lewis, who was an integral part of leading the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals. “The court design – I just love these colors.”&nbsp;

And fans won’t have to wait long to see the new court and uniforms in action. The first classic night will be on opening night when the Magic host the Rockets. Additional classic nights include nine other home games this season (Nov. 11, Dec. 20, Jan. 7, Jan. 19, Feb. 13, Mar. 3, Mar. 29, Mar. 30, and Apr. 14) as the team looks to celebrate the past while building towards the future.&nbsp;

“I’m a big fan of (this uniform),” said Suggs with a smile stretched across his face. “I can’t wait to rock them on game night and have this arena full of people screaming. They’ll be some good energy and great games in here.”&nbsp;

They’ll surely be plenty of new memories to celebrate along with old ones. As Ryan Anderson hosted a panel interview with players of the past and present, it was clear that all of the Magic legends recollect fond of their time in Orlando.&nbsp;

While their playing tenures stretched across various eras, to a man, they each appreciated the family-like environment that the Magic have created organizationally throughout their 35-year history.&nbsp;

“My favorite part was just knowing that it hasn’t changed,” said Suggs. “This family feel that we have right now, and I’ve come to love since the day that I was selected, it was here 35 years ago … Just the true love that this place brings and it holds. There’s a reason that they’re all back.”&nbsp;

Many of the Magic’s legends who had other stops in their playing careers were quick to stress that the organization’s culture is unique and rare.&nbsp;

“I think that’s what separates this organization from so many others,” said Ryan. “There’s no culture (like this) in the majority of teams … (And now, they have) good guys to build around with this group for the future.”&nbsp;

While Friday’s unveiling event was certainly a special blend of the past and the present, it’s only the first of many to come.&nbsp;

Fans can find more information on the season-long celebration activities and how they can get involved with this&nbsp;35th&nbsp;anniversary microsite.&nbsp;

Also, the new&nbsp;classic edition jerseys&nbsp;will be available for purchase on October 2 at the Orlando Magic Team Shop at Amway Center and online at&nbsp;www.orlandomagicshop.com.

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Orlando Magic's 35th Anniversary Unveiling Event

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Magic Tip Off 35th Anniversary Season-Long Celebration by Unveiling New Court and Uniforms with Team Legends 

Official Release

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic have waived guard Alex Morales, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today.

Morales (6’6”, 195, 11/21/97) played in 30 games (six starts) last season with Lakeland (now Osceola) of the NBA G League, averaging 6.2 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 2.0 apg. and 1.13 stlpg. in 21.9 minpg.

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Orlando Magic Waive Alex Morales

Team hosts a special 35th&nbsp;anniversary unveiling event at Amway Center featuring Magic guard Jalen Suggs and former Magic players

ORLANDO -- In honor of 35 years of Orlando Magic basketball, the team unveiled today a fresh Classic Edition uniform and court design in grand fashion hosting a special event at Amway Center featuring the Magic’s past and present. The 35th&nbsp;anniversary tip-off event featured Magic player Jalen Suggs; Magic legends Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson; Magic Community Ambassadors and former players Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw; and Magic CEO Alex Martins. Each player wore a jersey from their era of Magic basketball before the new classic uniform was unveiled along with the matching court design. The special 35th&nbsp;anniversary tip off event culminated with Anderson moderating a question-and-answer session with Suggs and the Magic legends. Joining in the festivities were the Magic’s 35-year season ticket holders, 35-year partners, and team staffers.

The 35th&nbsp;anniversary Classic Edition uniform evokes emotions from the past, tapping into some fan-favorite memories.&nbsp; As a replica of the style worn by the Magic from 1998-2003, the uniform pays homage to the beloved Heart and Hustle era. An era defined by hard work, which still remains a large part of the Magic’s DNA.&nbsp;With the retro Magic wordmark splashed across the jersey’s front and the iconic star continuing throughout the design, feelings of nostalgia remain. The design stays true to the Magic’s roots with the cherished pinstripes racing along each side.

“We were thrilled to be able to host a celebration recognizing 35years of Magic basketball for our season ticket holders and partners who have been with us from the beginning,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “For more than three decades, Magic fans have told stories about their love for the team and in particular this Heart and Hustle era. A team that stands for hard work and determination, leaving everything out on the court. These traits are forever woven into the 35-year fabric of our organization and bring great pride to Magic fans and our city alike. We celebrate the endless devotion of our fans with this year’s Classic Edition uniform.”

The Magic also unveiled the new court design that will be featured during all Classic Night home games when the team will don the new Classic Edition uniform. The first Classic Night, debuting the uniform and court, will be on opening night, Weds., Oct. 25 when the Magic host the Houston Rockets. Additional Classic Nights include nine home games this season (Nov. 11, Dec. 20, Jan. 7, Jan. 19, Feb. 13, Mar. 3, Mar. 29, Mar. 30, Apr. 14) and will transform the Amway Center with the new court and look in the Magic’s home arena for the 35th&nbsp;anniversary season.&nbsp;

In addition, the Magic will launch a special 35th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;microsite for fan information on the season-long celebration activities and how fans can get involved.&nbsp;

The new&nbsp;Classic Edition jerseys will be available for&nbsp;purchase on October 2 at the Orlando Magic Team Shop at Amway Center and online at&nbsp;www.orlandomagicshop.com.

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Orlando Magic Unveil New Classic Edition Uniform and Court Design in Celebration of 35th Anniversary Season Presented by AdventHealth

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Mac McClung, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

McClung (6’2”, 185, 1/6/99) played in two games last season (2022-23) with Philadelphia, averaging 12.5 ppg., 5.0 rpg. and 4.5 apg. in 20.5 minpg. He also appeared in 31 games (28 starts) with Delaware of the NBA G League, averaging 19.8 ppg., 5.0 apg. and 2.6 rpg. in 26.8 minpg., helping the Blue Coats capture the 2022-23 NBA G League championship. At NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, McClung won the Slam Dunk contest.

Undrafted by an NBA franchise, McClung has played in four career NBA regular season games with Chicago, the L.A. Lakers and Philadelphia, averaging 8.3 ppg., 3.3 rpg. and 2.5 apg. in 16.3 minpg. He has also appeared in 58 career NBA G League outings (55 starts) with South Bay, Windy City and Delaware, averaging 20.6 ppg., 6.1 apg., 4.6 rpg. and 1.14 stlpg. in 31.1 minpg., while shooting .507 (425-838) from the floor, .427 (123-288) from three-point range and .854 (134-157) from the free throw line.

McClung played in 50 career games during two seasons (2018-20) at Georgetown University, averaging 14.2 ppg., 2.8 rpg., 2.2 apg. and 1.06 stlpg. in 26.6 minpg. During the 2018-19 season, he led all Big East freshmen in scoring and was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team. McClung also played in 29 games during one season (2020-21) at Texas Tech University, averaging 15.5 ppg., 2.7 rpg. and 2.1 apg. in 30.2 minpg.

McClung will wear #10 with the Orlando Magic.

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Orlando Magic Sign Free Agent Mac McClung

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Alex Morales, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Morales appeared in 74 career games (71 starts) during three seasons at Wagner College (2019-22), averaging 15.9 ppg., 6.9 rpg., 3.7 apg. and 1.51 stlpg. in 33.1 minpg. He was named the 2021-22 Northeast Conference (NEC) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Morales was also the NEC Player of the Year in 2020-21. He also played one season (2018-19) at Prince George’s Community College in Maryland.

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Orlando Magic Sign Free Agent Alex Morales

The Orlando Magic have signed free agents Trevelin Queen (TREV-uh-lin) and Brandon Williams, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.

Queen (6’6”, 190, 2/25/97) played in seven games last season (2022-23) with Indiana, averaging 3.0 ppg. and 2.4 rpg. in 10.0 minpg. He also appeared in 24 games (15 starts) with Fort Wayne of the NBA G League, averaging 22.6 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 4.5 apg. and 2.13 stlpg. in 34.3 minpg.

Not drafted by an NBA franchise, Queen has played in 17 career NBA regular season games with Houston and Indiana, averaging 3.8 ppg. and 1.9 rpg. in 8.5 minpg. He has also played in 58 career NBA G League regular season games (40 starts) with Rio Grande Valley and Fort Wayne, averaging 20.2 ppg., 5.5 rpg., 3.9 apg. and 2.24 stlpg. in 30.8 minpg. During the 2021-22 season, Queen was named NBA G League Most Valuable Player and led Rio Grande Valley to the 2022 NBA G League championship, also earning NBA G League Finals MVP honors.

Queen played in 51 career games during two seasons (2018-20) at New Mexico State, averaging 10.5 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 2.1 apg. and 1.37 stlpg. in 21.5 minpg. He was named WAC Tournament Most Valuable Player in 2019 and earned Second Team All-WAC honors in 2019-20.

Queen will wear #12 with the Orlando Magic.

Williams (6’2”, 190, 11/22/99) played in 27 games (25 starts) last season with College Park of the NBA G League, averaging 19.8 ppg., 5.9 apg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.22 stlpg. in 31.6 minpg., while shooting .361 (43-119) from three-point range.

Undrafted by an NBA franchise, Williams has played in 24 career NBA regular season games (16 starts) with Portland, averaging 12.9 ppg., 3.9 apg., 3.1 rpg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 26.7 minpg. He has also appeared in 40 career NBA G League games (36 starts) with Westchester and College Park, averaging 20.7 ppg., 6.0 apg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.08 stlpg. in 32.1 minpg., while shooting .361 (70-194) from three-point range.

Williams played in 26 games (21 starts) during his freshman season at the University of Arizona (2018-19), averaging 11.4 ppg., 3.4 apg. and 2.8 rpg. in 28.2 minpg. He was an Honorable Mention selection for the 2018-19 Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.

Williams will wear #11 with the Orlando Magic.

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Orlando Magic Sign Free Agents Trevelin Queen and Brandon Williams

Germany’s path to a FIBA World Cup championship has not been an easy one.&nbsp;

From difficult group matchups to overcoming injuries, the Germans have dealt with their share of adversity along the way.&nbsp;

But that arduous journey only made Sunday’s celebration even sweeter.&nbsp;

Toronto Raptors guard Dennis Schroder scored a game-high 28 points and Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner poured in 19 as Germany claimed its first FIBA World Cup gold medal with an 83-77 victory over Serbia.&nbsp;

Wagner, who missed four games in the tournament due to a slight ankle sprain, also tallied seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals and was named the TCL Player of the Game.&nbsp;

“It’s special,” said Franz of not only winning but also being able to share this experience with his brother and Magic teammate Moe Wagner. “It’s special to have our parents here too. It’s so surreal. It doesn’t make sense that we’re both on this team and can enjoy it together.”&nbsp;

Moe, who played a significant role in all of Germany’s eight FIBA World Cup wins this tournament, added eight points and four rebounds.&nbsp;

“It’s amazing,” said Moe about sharing this experience with his brother. “My mom cried. It’s so cool to share with my family. We’re so privileged. Sometimes I don’t really realize that this is the life that I’m living. I’m very grateful for that.”&nbsp;

Paolo Banchero Misses Third&nbsp;Place Game with Illness as Team USA Falls to Canada&nbsp;

Team USA’s mission to bring home their 13th&nbsp;FIBA World Cup medal came up just short.&nbsp;

Dillon Brooks erupted for a game-high 39 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fired off 31 to lead Canada to a 127-118 overtime win over Team USA in the tournament’s Third&nbsp;Place Game.&nbsp;

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards led the U.S. with 24 points.&nbsp;

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram, and Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. all missed the contest due to illness.&nbsp;

“There’s definitely a bug that’s gone through the team,” said Team USA Head Coach Steve Kerr to reporters after the contest. “A lot of players besides those three have been sick as well.”&nbsp;

Banchero finished the tournament averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game while shooting 57.5 percent from the floor. His 8.9 positive plus-minus rating was third best on the team.&nbsp;

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The Wagners Lead Germany to First FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

Josh Cohen

If you’ve been following Germany’s men’s national basketball team the last few years, you probably had a good feeling about them going into the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

They held their own at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which was played in 2021 because of the pandemic, earned the bronze at EuroBasket 2022, and then looked terrific in each of last month’s tune-up games.&nbsp;

But even with all that recent success, not many predicted that they would be in the position that they are in now, which is to compete for the gold after eliminating the United States with Friday’s stunning 113-111 victory in the semifinals in Manila, Philippines.&nbsp;

Germany will match up against Serbia, which knocked off Canada in the other semifinal contest, in the final on Sunday at 8:40 a.m. ET. The U.S. will take on Canada in the third-place game at 4:30 a.m. ET, also on Sunday.

“We talked in the locker room. It’s a great win, but we are not where we want to be yet,” Germany head coach Gordie Herbert said. “This group of players wants to win gold. One more to go. We’ll let the players enjoy this tonight, and tomorrow morning when we wake up, this is over. We’re not feeling good about it. We’ve moved on. We’re getting ready for Sunday.”

Franz Wagner, playing in his second straight game after missing the previous four with a slightly sprained left ankle, recorded 22 points on 7-of-18 shooting from the field overall, 3-of-10 from 3-point range, and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. His big brother and Orlando Magic teammate Moe Wagner posted 10 points on 3-of-5 floor shooting.

“This is a super special group,” Franz said. “Obviously, a historic win for Germany…We got one more to go. I’m super happy we won today.”

Andreas Obst, who finished with a game-high 24 points, drilled a 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the game after the Americans, who trailed by as many as 12, had pulled within one. Dennis Schroder followed with a dagger step-back jumper on Germany’s ensuing possession.&nbsp;

Anthony Edwards led the U.S. with 23 points, but he did miss a 3-pointer with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter that would have tied the game. Austin Reaves scored 21 points, including the U.S.’s last six points, while Mikal Bridges had 17 points. Paolo Banchero finished with six points, two rebounds and three assists.

Germany will be making its first-ever hoops championship game appearance in either a FIBA World Cup or Olympics. In the 2002 FIBA World Cup, then known as the World Championship, it won the bronze. In EuroBasket tournaments, the Germans won the gold in 1993, silver in 2005, and bronze in 2022.&nbsp;

Although they ended up losing the game, the Germans had played the Americans tough in a friendly in Abu Dhabi on Aug. 20, which made them believe that if they were to meet again in the World Cup that they would have a good chance at pulling off the upset.

“I think it just confirmed what we felt before the game in Abu Dhabi,” Franz said. “The moment we got together, everybody felt like that last year we let one slip away (and) that we were better than the bronze that we got. We had a big goal coming in…From the first day we got together this summer, we believed that we are a special group and can win against any team.”

This is the second-straight FIBA World Cup final and fourth this century that will not include the Americans. They finished sixth in 2002, third in 2006, and seventh in 2019. They won the gold in this tournament in 2010 and 2014.

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The Wagners, Germany Stun USA, Advance to Final

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.