Orlando Magic’s Core Players Shockingly Downgraded in NBA 2K26 Ratings Despite career-best seasons, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and newcomer Desmond Bane all saw their NBA 2K26 ratings drop

With NBA 2K26 just around the corner, player ratings have begun rolling out—and for the Orlando Magic, the news wasn’t pretty. Despite rising expectations and career-best seasons for much of the young core, all four of Orlando’s cornerstone players saw their ratings decrease.

📉 Player Rating Drops

Paolo Banchero — 89 OVR (-1)
Franz Wagner — 86 OVR (-3)
Desmond Bane — 83 OVR (-3)
Jalen Suggs — 82 OVR (-2)

The drops came as a surprise, especially for Banchero and Wagner, who were both trending toward All-NBA conversations before injuries cut their seasons short. Suggs was also a serious candidate for an All-Defensive Team nod before his injury.

⭐ Bright Spot: Suggs’ Elite Defense

While Suggs’ overall dipped, his 91 perimeter defense rating puts him among the game’s top on-ball stoppers—ranking 8th overall, just behind names like Lu Dort and Dyson Daniels. The rating reflects his physical, gritty style that made him one of the league’s toughest matchups on the perimeter.

🎯 Desmond Bane’s Shooting Recognition

Newly acquired Desmond Bane may have received a lower overall, but he still earned a spot among the Top 5 shooters in NBA 2K26 with an 88 three-point rating. That places him behind only Stephen Curry (99), Kevin Durant (91), and Klay Thompson (89).

Last season, Bane averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting 39.2% from deep, continuing his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable perimeter threats.

🔍 Context for the Magic’s Offseason

The Magic’s front office invested heavily in Bane this offseason, trading a major haul of future draft picks to acquire him from Memphis. The move was designed to fix the team’s struggles from beyond the arc, as Orlando finished last in three-point percentage and assists last season.

By adding Bane’s shooting gravity, the team hopes to create more space for stars like Banchero and Wagner to flourish.

📝 Final Thoughts

The Magic’s young core may not have gotten the respect many expected from NBA 2K26, but the downgrades don’t erase their real-life progress. With Paolo Banchero growing into a scoring leader, Wagner showing two-way promise, Suggs locking down guards, and Bane stretching the floor, Orlando’s on-court potential still looks bright.

Ratings aside, NBA 2K26 fans should keep an eye on this team as one of the league’s most exciting storylines.