Terrence Ross, Mo Bamba, and Gary Harris are all still members of the Magic after the 2022 NBA trade deadline came and went. The Magic acquired Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier from the Boston Celtics. Why waiving Michael Carter-Williams and E’Twaun Moore could present a veteran problem for the franchise. Will the front office share when Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac will finally see the floor? Is 2023 or 2022 the goal to acquire a star? There are strong concerns about the coaching job of Jamahl Mosley. 

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language

64. Quiet Deadline. Is Summer 2023 or 2022 the Focus?

The Orlando Magic are 37-26, currently the 4th seed in the East, winners of 5 games in a row (longest streak in the NBA at the moment), 13 of our last 16 games. Orlando is taking advantage of a favorable portion of its schedule and are arguably the hottest team in the league. Not only are the Magic on pace to finish with a top-6 Eastern Conference seed, avoiding the play-in entirely, but we’ve Jamahl Mosley’s squad has a legitimate chance to host a first round playoffs series.

The Magic are battling with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Indiana Pacers for the 4th seed, and home court advantage in the playoffs. It’s genuinely in play. Who of these teams would you rather face in the playoffs (Heat and Knicks especially)? The Magic may even be able to hunt down the 3rd seed which is currently occupied by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

*Correction: The Magic have not faced the Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets in the playoffs ever (as well as the Wizards and Knicks). Figured it out immediately after recording. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language

116. Fourth Seed; Home Court Advantage in Play; Magic 37-26

The Orlando Magic are 42-29. Currently the 5th seed in the East, with a top-6 playoff spot still very attainable with eleven games remaining in the regular season. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley received a very well earned four-year coaching extension. Why the newer style of NBA officiating should help the Magic long-term. The Anthony Black-Gradey Dick jersey swap. 

Paolo Banchero outduels Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. Another heartbreaking loss to the Sacramento Kings. Markelle Fultz v. Anthony Black point guard minutes. Eastern Conference playoff seeding jostling. The 21-year-old 22/5/5 club. The Magic being in contention for awards.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language

117. Gaining Big Game Experience; Mosley Extension; Magic 42-29

Franz Wagner tried, but the Orlando Magic went from down forty to losing 121-106 at Madison Square Garden to the New York Knicks to finish off NBA cup group play. The Knicks win East Group A with a 4-0 record. Magic at 3-1 sneak into the fourth and final East quarterfinal spot as the wild card thanks to their great point differential in the prior three contests. Orlando will have to fly up next week to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. 

Despite the disappointing performance on TNT at MSG, the Magic are still 15-8 and the 3rd seed in the conference. It’s still great to enjoy a game in a basketball cathedral such as MSG. Lights, food, buzz, energy, music, celebrities.


All of that and more!


#LetsGoMagic 


Warning: Adult Language

144. Dispatch from Madison Square Garden: NBA Cup Wild Card for Magic as Knicks Take East Group A

This episode is dedicated to ZDF’s ‘Wagner Brothers’ German language four-part 3-hour documentary on Franz and Moritz Wagner. Their parents Beate and Axel play a major role, as well as the brothers’ additional support system. It’s a brilliant production that puts a lot American sports and NBA documentaries to shame. It’s uncensored and you see plenty of raw emotion and feelings displayed.

Most the content focuses on 2023 and 2024, including the German national team winning the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a return to Michigan, and the grind of the 2023-2024 Orlando Magic season that included a playoff meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As well as Germany’s 2024 Summer Olympics showing in Paris, France. This is a Wagner family focused documentary, not entirely Orlando Magic focused. 

Here’s the link to the documentary: https://www.zdf.de/sport/the-wagner-brothers 

Speaking of the Magic, Orlando is currently 21-16. They’ve had a rocky start to January 2025 with more injuries plaguing players like Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black. The team just had a very disappointing home loss to the Utah Jazz. It feels like the Magic have reached their limit and truly need bodies returning. Thankfully, a Paolo Banchero return isn’t far away.

All of that and more!


#LetsGoMagic 


Warning: Adult Language

148. Reviewing the Wagner Brothers Documentary; Magic 21-16

The 23-18 Orlando Magic continue to astonish and find ways to win games they have no business taking, having reached the halfway point of the 2024-2025 season. Paolo Banchero made his triumphant return, but it’s been lessened due to more teammates going down due to injury. The Magic found a way to beat the Philadelphia 76ers with only eight available bodies. And although the team still is holding onto the East’s 4th seed, one bad week could see them fall down to 9th. 

Plus, All-Star voting, Shaquille O’Neal v. Dwight Howard, Mo Wagner has his ACL surgery, the trade deadline approaching. 

All of that and more!


#LetsGoMagic 


Warning: Adult Language

149. Powered by Paolo; More Injuries; Halfway Done; Magic 23-18

To the stunned surprise and dismay of most Orlando Magic fans, Jeff Weltman didn’t do anything at the NBA Trade Deadline. It’s not about this season, although it was nice that the Magic found a way to scratch and claw their way to a home victory over the San Antonio Spurs after a brutal road trip. Something had to be done to help with the long-term success of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and that didn’t occur. Now it’s about hoping there are no consequences. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language

151. Inexcusable Weltman Deadline Inaction; Magic 26-28

The All-Star break is over. Orlando Magic player Mac McClung is a 3-time consecutive dunk contest champion now, creating NBA history. Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva got to partake in the Rising Stars event. The entire weekend was overall a mess of a showing for the league. How to improve the NBA All-Star Weekend and NBA product in general as a whole.

From an Orlando Magic perspective, the team is 27-29 going into the final 26 games of the regular season. Jalen Suggs is still out injured. Why Jeff Weltman’s inaction has maybe put Head Coach Jamahl Mosley on the hot seat should the rest of the season be a disappointment. 


All of that and more!


#LetsGoMagic 


Warning: Adult Language

152. Is Mosley on the Hot Seat? All-Star Mac; Improving the NBA Product

Rhonda Smith-Banchero, the mother of Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero, had some interesting social media reactions/posts that were necessary and did a solid job of laying out all of the frustrations that exist currently with the franchise. Except that unhappiness should be directed at President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. Moreso than Head Coach Jamahl Mosley or any individual player on the roster. The pressure is mounting for the DeVos family, Alex Martins, and Jeff Weltman.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


154. Mama Banchero is Correct…Sort of

The Orlando Magic improved to 32-37 after ending the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 16-game win streak on their floor. That was the longest winning streak in the NBA in 3 years. The Magic finished their five-game road trip 3-2. Could this be a sign of the squad finding their second wind with less than a month to go in the regular season? 

Dwight Howard is getting inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame…on a night where we play the Los Angeles Lakers of all teams.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


155. A Second Wind? Magic 32-37

The Orlando Magic continue to steady themselves in the month of March. They’re 7-7 and could finish over .500 for the month. There are 7 games remaining in this 2024-2024 NBA regular season. The Magic are guaranteed to be participating in the play-in for their chance at getting into a first round playoff series after dropping 18 triples against the Kings. Can they grab the 7th seed and get themselves some homecourt advantage for the play-in? Can they finish 41-41 or better for the campaign?

Paolo Banchero is certainly doing his part, averaging over 30 ppg for the entire month. It’s a peek at his stardom ahead. Dwight Howard had a good return with his Magic Hall of Fame induction day. Looking at how Paolo and each of his teammates performed in March. 

Post Note: Realized that Gary Harris was forgotten. Which let's be honest, there are games he's forgettable. But, Gary is showing some signs of life. 10 games off the bench played in March. 14.1 minutes per contest. 1.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.0 apg. 30.0 FG%, 26.7 3PT%. Still not decent, but it is an improvement of late.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language

156. A Sprint to Seventh; Magic 36-39

The Orlando Magic are forcing out their only public address announcer in the franchise’s 36-season history. Paul Porter will forever be the in-arena voice of the Magic. He was basically hired by Pat Williams, the cornerstone figure whose life is supposed to be honored this entire 2024-2025 NBA season, himself in 1989. Paul should get to decide on his terms when to walk away. This is another situation where the DeVos family and Alex Martins have handled a situation with a franchise legend very poorly.

Dwight Howard, having been inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame, has been announced as a first-ballot inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Fully deserved and a no-brainer lock of a decision. Dwight gets in twice in the same year as the 2008 Team USA Olympic ‘Redeem Team’ is also going in. 

Paolo Banchero continues his scorching hot post-All-Star break scoring streak as he won an Eastern Conference Player of the Week award. Didn’t win the monthly award, but his play is a big reason why the 38-40 Magic are very close to reaching .500 and claiming the 7th seed in the East with four games left in the regular season before play-in action begins. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


157. Paul Porter Gets Pushed Out; Magic 38-40

Two home games. Two nights. Two victories. The Orlando Magic just won their second consecutive and 8th ever division title, claiming the Southeast crown with a 96-76 Fan Appreciation Night regular season home finale victory over the Boston Celtics. PA Announcer Paul Porter was officially honored by the team, which didn’t go great. The Magic are 40-40 and have a chance to finish his injury-plagued regular season .500 or better.

The Magic are the 7th seed and guaranteed to host the 7 v. 8 play-in game next Tuesday April 15th. The opponent won’t be known until later this week. It’ll either be the Hawks, Bulls, or Heat. 

The Denver Nuggets fired their coach and GM and are spiraling. Orlando is getting Denver’s first round pick (top-5 protected) for the upcoming 2025 Draft. Instead of that pick being in the mid-20s, it could be in the teens. Could the Magic have interest in Jamal Murray in the offseason?

The Osceola Magic are in the G-League Finals having one of the first game of the 3-game series.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


158. Southeast Champs; Magic 40-40

The Magic had a relaxing weekend. Their last two regular season games were meaningless, and even with guys sitting we still finished the campaign 41-41. Now it’s play-in time. The first play-in game in Magic history is happening Tuesday night 7:30 pm at Kia Center against the Atlanta Hawks. It’ll be on TNT. You win on Tuesday, you get a trip up to Boston on Easter weekend to begin a playoff series.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as a duo had a historic franchise season statistically. The Osceola Magic head to a Game 3 deciding meeting in the G-League Finals with the Stockton Kings on Monday. Is Shaquille O’Neal really going to help walk Dwight Howard out for his Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame speech?

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


159. Play-In Time; Magic 41-41

The Orlando Magic are a perfect 1-for-1 in their play-in tournament history, dismantling the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 at Kia Center. Defense and great supporting cast offensive contributions proved too much for the Hawks overcome. The Magic claim the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and will next ship off for Boston with Game 1 of the series happening on Easter Sunday.

On a night where Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner received extra defensive attention, Jamahl Mosley’s supporting cast really showed up. Especially the likes of Wendell Carter Jr., Anthony Black, and Cole Anthony. The Magic proved why they had the 2nd best defense in the NBA. Even managed to frustrate Trae Young so much he got thrown out.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


160. Magic Hammer Hawks; Boston Awaits

Our Orlando Magic-Boston Celtics series preview! Can Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner outduel Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown? How big of an advantage will Boston’s supporting cast have over Orlando’s? Can the Magic overcome math and the massively historic 3-point advantage the defending champions hold over Orlando? Will it be a sweep?

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


161. Magic-Celtics Playoff Series Preview

The Magic lost Game 1 in Boston 103-86. The main worry came to fruition. Boston buried us with 3s and Paolo Banchero (36 points and 11 rebounds) and Franz Wagner (23 points) need other support guys to step up and hit shots. No other Magic player beyond the two stars had more than 7 points. The good news is Orlando is up for a fight, and we have Game 2 to look forward to.

Orlando’s defense was overall good enough. Jayson Tatum (17 points) and Jaylen Brown (16 points) were overall subdued. But Boston has a ton of scoring depth and Derrick White (30 points) and Payton Pritchard (19 points off the bench) picked up the slack. The Magic didn’t get to the free throw line enough, and Boston’s big strength in the second half was fast break points.
All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


162. Celtics Take Game 1; Magic Stars Need Support

Orlando hands over Game 2 to Boston, 109-100, and trail the series 2-0 coming home. Magic blew this game. You knew the refs were going to screw you with no Jayson Tatum. Too many missed open Orlando shots. Too many missed free throws. Another wasted defensive effort because guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can’t hit an open 3. 

Once again, it was Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner performing…and not a lot of help from the supporting cast. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


163. Magic Blow it in Boston, 0-2 Back to Orlando

Orlando is on the board. Led once again by their stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic at home scrap their way to a 95-93 Game 3 victory to make it a 1-2 series against Boston. Franz had 32 points, Paolo dropped 29. It’s the second youngest duo in NBA history to have consecutive 25-point playoff performances together. The only younger duo was Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in OKC. The Magic won this game with essentially two guys scoring. And some fantastic hustle and defense. It sets the stage for a fascinating Game 4.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


164. Franchero Claim Game 3; 1-2 Series

This should be even going back up to Boston, but the Magic missed way too many open shots and left the game in the refs’ hands. Celtics win Game 4 107-98. They closed the game on a 16-7 run. This game was tied 91-91. Paolo was gassed. Franz couldn’t hit an open 3. Other than Cory Joseph, no one else on the Magic really stepped up offensively. And you hand Boston a 3-1 series lead. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


165. Too Many Open Missed Shots; 1-3 Back Up to Boston

Magic lose in TD Garden, 120-89. Series over. Adam Silver called Tony Brothers at halftime of this Game 5 with the Magic up 2 in Boston. Brothers tags 3 questionable fouls on Paolo Banchero, gets him out with 5 fouls, and the Celtics avalanche was on from there. Orlando loses this series 4-1. We go another year without a series win and no road playoff game victory. Similar offensive story, not a lot of help for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


166. Silver Made the Call; Magic Lose Series 4-1

We’re in offseason mode. Exit interviews happened and guys are resting or already in workout mode. I’m glad Jeff Weltman said we’re in ‘win now’ mode, that we’re going to be aggressive this offseason to improve the roster around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but he should’ve had stones thrown at him had he not. I want to look at how this Orlando Magic roster performed against Boston. Watching these second round series, we are a great offseason from being a Finals team. Don’t let anyone talk you out of that vision. But that means trusting a front office that has not earned that trust.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


167. Magic Playoff Postmortem

This is the first of what should be several episodes where I focus on one or a few players from each team as guys who the Magic are, could, and/or should be targeting to acquire this offseason. Let’s make our way to Portland. Anfernee Simons. He has to be the #1 most discussed Magic rumored target at the moment. Hometown Orlando guy. He’s named after my favorite basketball player of all time (Anfernee Hardaway). He was at the Celtics series at Kia Center. Simons would certainly help resolve our offensive problems. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


168. Anfernee Simons

In an offseason where the Magic don’t have the ability to pay much for free agents, we have to trade our way to improvement. I can’t think of a bigger potentially available target than Giannis Antetokounmpo. NBA champion, multi-time MVP, he’s won Defensive Player of the Year. He’s been the face of the NBA for the past few years, whether American media recognizes that or not. He’s again an MVP finalist this season. He’ll be 31 years old in December. Still his prime. I want Gianni to be a one NBA team player. Gianni wants to stay a Buck. But he also wants to win more NBA championships. Milwaukee can’t offer that now. There’s no Jrue Holiday deal to be made. They’re capped out and out of assets to trade. They have no picks to send out. So if Gianni wants another NBA title in the next few years, he’s going to have to orchestrate a trade somewhere. And I don’t know of a better destination for him than Orlando. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


169. Giannis Antetokounmpo

We got a look at how our future stacks up against the present in the playoffs. Paolo and Franz versus Tatum and Brown. Our stars overall outplayed their champion stars. The difference was the supporting casts. Now we’re getting a good look at what happens when your title winning team has to be torn down because of Collective Bargaining Agreement restrictions. Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis all can be had in trades because the Celtics need to get below the second apron. Tatum is only 27 years old and tore his damn Achilles. That used to be something that only happened in your mid-30s and later in life. Now it’s happening to MVP-level guys in their prime. Which for our front office should be heeded as a warning to not wait when you have two stars ready for much more. Should we go after a Celtic?

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


170. White, Jrue, Porzingis

It’s going to be an OKC Thunder-Indiana Pacers duel for the championship. Which means welcome to the Rob Hennigan NBA Finals. Unfortunately, courtesy of the June 23, 2016 Victor Oladipo-Ersan Ilyasova-Domantas Sabonis for Serge Ibaka Thunder trade that got both the Thunder and Pacers here to this stage. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams (the good one), and Tyrese Haliburton do not end up on their franchises without Hennigan.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


171. The Rob Hennigan NBA Finals

They spent 4 years creating it, but for the first time since 2010 the Orlando Magic have rebranded themselves. Ushering in the new Paolo-Franz era with a look that the team believes will mesh the past with the future. There’s a new blue color, new logos, new fonts, and new jerseys. There’s genuinely some good, some meh, and some bad eliminates to this rebrand.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


172. New Orlando Magic Rebrand Revealed

It seems like Cleveland media is trying to get Darius Garland dealt away for Jalen Suggs. The Magic need point guard help, but would this make sense? Are there any other Cavaliers player targets? Plus, a bit more Orlando Magic rebrand merchandise talk and a dislike of cursive. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


173. Garland, Jerome, Jarrett Allen

Jeff Weltman said he’d be aggressive this offseason, and he has not wasted time pulling off this big time Father’s Day deal with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire Desmond Bane in the middle of the NBA Finals. The Orlando Magic had to give out Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, the 16th pick of the 2025 Draft, their 2026 pick that is tied to a Wizards-Suns pick swap, an unprotected 2028 first, a top-2 protected 2029 pick swap, and a 2030 unprotected first round selection. It seems like a massive amount for a player who has not been named an All-Star, but Bane fits this roster on and off the floor and fills many needs. He’s in his prime and under contract through the 2029 season. 

There’s addition by subtraction occurring in that trade price tag. But the Magic are on paper better with Bane, and they didn’t have to give up Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, or Tristan Da Silva. Bane is theoretically now the Magic’s starting ‘point guard’ with his diverse skill set. This a message to the rest of the Eastern Conference that the Magic believe they can be a title contending team now. Bane will wear the #3 pinstriped jersey. This shouldn’t be the only notable roster change for this offseason. 

Also, Franz Wagner commits to playing for the German national team at EuroBasket 2025. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


174. Here Comes the Bane

This is our Orlando Magic pre-draft, pre-free agency episode, but it’s also going to be a review of the Jeff Weltman and John Hammond front office regime. WeltHamm have sort of reached that fork in the road where they have to be decisive on a path moving forward. They were hired in May 2017, so they’ve had 3 full seasons of being in charge. Going into their 4th campaign now, we’re at the point where they have to show more progress than this Magic team just barely being a playoff team in the East. Who should stay? Who should go? Trade ideas, draft pick preferences, and more!

#LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll

Warning: Adult Language

Songs: 
WIN – Jay Rock

WeltHamm Have Reached the Fork

The Penny & Pops Podcast is hosted by Adam Papageorgiou (Pops) and Spenser Strode (Penny). All matters Orlando Magic basketball are discussed. The opinions expressed are local and strong. This is the longest running podcast (since 2009) dedicated to talking Orlando Magic basketball.

We are the two most knowledgeable people when it comes to Orlando Magic history that you can listen to. We aim to present unique viewpoints that you won't find in traditional media outlets. We want to bring a passionate piece of Orlando to your listening devices. 

*Warning* Episodes may and probably do contain profanity.

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Please rate and review us. We do this for fun and for your entertainment. For feedback or questions you may want answered on the podcast, tweet at us @SpenserStrode or find us on Bluesky @adampapageorgiou.bsky.social

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