Offseason Moves Bolster Magic's Title Aspirations
Blockbuster Trade Lands Elite Shooter Desmond Bane
The Orlando Magic made a splash this offseason, trading for sharpshooter Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. The 25-year-old guard provides the perfect complement to young stars Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, giving the Magic a dynamic scoring trio.
"Bane's shooting gravity draws the eyes of the defense whether he's hitting his shots that night or not," wrote Sports Illustrated. "Any time Desmond Bane draws multiple defenders away from their responsibilities towards the ball, an advantage is created for his teammates."
With Bane in the fold, the Magic are poised to take a significant leap after making the playoffs last season. The team's stifling defense, led by Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner, should only improve with Bane's ability to space the floor.
Banchero Primed for MVP-Caliber Season
Second-year forward Paolo Banchero is also generating buzz after a strong preseason. The 2022 first overall pick averaged 29 points per game and shot 47.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range post-All-Star break last season.
"Paolo Banchero has the talent to move up into another tier as far as how he's viewed around the league," noted ReadHoops.com. "Something to Keep an Eye on: It's no secret that Orlando struggles on offense at times, but Banchero's continued development could help solve that issue."
With Bane and Banchero leading the way, the Magic are quietly positioning themselves as a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference.
TL;DR
- The Orlando Magic acquired elite shooter Desmond Bane in a blockbuster offseason trade, giving them a dynamic scoring trio with Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs.
- Banchero is primed for an MVP-caliber season after a strong finish last year, as the Magic look to take a significant leap with their improved offense.
- Orlando's stifling defense, led by Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner, should only benefit from Bane's floor-spacing ability.