Desmond Bane Sends Clear Message on Magic Star Paolo Banchero
Desmond Bane Sends Clear Message on Magic Star Paolo Banchero originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Orlando Magic wasted no time in improving its roster this offseason. Even before the 2025 NBA playoffs ended, the Magic traded for Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies to solve some of their concerns. One of the areas the Magic needed to address over the summer was their offensive options.
Advertisement
Outside of their star forwards, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic didn't have another player who could create shots. By trading for Bane, the organization solved that problem. The addition of the 6-foot-5 guard also gives them another outside shooter.
During the 2024-25 season, Orlando had the worst 3-point shooting and made only 31.8% of their attempts.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero defends.Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
On Thursday, Bane was invited to appear as a guest on the program, "The Zach Lowe Show." During his appearance, the newest member of the Magic spoke highly of Banchero. According to him, he believes that the former Duke star could rack up multiple All-NBA selections throughout his career.
Advertisement
"Obviously, Paolo is going to be a first team All-NBA type guy for probably multiple years in his career," Bane said.
Last season, Banchero had another All-Star season, averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Unfortunately for the young forward, he wasn't selected for any of the All-NBA teams.
The reason is that he only appeared in 46 games and didn't meet the 65-game requirement for players to qualify for NBA awards. Staying healthy is key for Banchero to be considered for the awards. He missed 34 games due to a torn oblique injury.
Playing at least 65 games isn't an issue for Banchero. He won the Rookie of the Year in 2023 and played 72 games. He followed that up with an 80-game season in his sophomore year.
Advertisement
Bane also believes that he can fit "like a glove" with Orlando's young squad.
"I think that it fits like a glove and my skill set is something that can really help take some pressure off of Franz, Paolo, Suggs, and all the guys."
With another scoring option in Bane, the Magic could be an interesting team to watch for the 2025-26 season.
Related: Magic President Excited for French NBA Rookie
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
North Palm Beach's Wylie Inman continues hot streak with win at Jordan Spieth Championship
North Palm Beach's Wylie Inman can add another win to his decorated 2025 junior golf campaign. Inman, a rising senior at Dwyer High School, continued his summer momentum with a win at the Under Armour Jordan Spieth Championship on June 26 at Brookhaven Country Club's Masters Course in Dallas, Texas. Advertisement He shot 8-under for the tournament to finish two shots clear in a field of 52 golfers from the United States as well as Mexico, China, Taiwan and Spain. Inman carded 12 birdies and four bogeys across the three-day tournament. Inman's victory comes one week after earning an automatic bid to the 2025 U.S. Junior Open in a qualifier at the Eagle Trace Golf Club in Coral Springs. He and Tiger Woods' son Charlie, who earned the final bid in a three-way playoff, were the only automatic qualifiers from Palm Beach County at the event, taking two of five spots available to a field of 87 contestants. Boca Raton's Oscar Crowe advanced as an alternate. North Palm Beach's Wylie Inman celebrates his victory at the Under Armour Jordan Spieth Championship in Dallas, Texas on June 26, 2025. More: Tiger Woods walks course for son Charlie's final round at 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship Advertisement It's the second American Junior Golf Association tournament victory for Inman in the 2025 campaign. He previously won the the AJGA Junior at Rayburn Resort in Texas on March 27. Inman has earned multiple selections to The Post's All-County teams as a varsity golfer. In 2024, Inman placed ninth at state and helped the team secure a sixth-place finish overall. He is verbally committed to play golf at the University of South Florida. North Palm Beach's Wylie Inman competes at the Under Armour Jordan Spieth Championship in Dallas, Texas on June 26, 2025. Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Wylie Inman: North Palm Beach golfer wins Jordan Spieth Championship
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What does it mean to the Boston Celtics now that they have traded Kristaps Porzingis?
What does it mean to the Boston Celtics now that they have traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks? The Celtics have made moves to get cheaper in recent days, with the trade of Porzingis to the Hawks one of multiple moves Boston has made or will likely make to reshape their roster in the face of what would have been a historically expensive roster and tax bill. But now the team is a bit thin in their frontcourt rotation, especially with vet bigs Al Horford and Luke Kornet still free agents who might leave the team this offseason. So where does the trade of the Latvian center leave the Celtics for the season ahead and beyond? Advertisement Cohosts of the CLNS Media "Garden Report" podcast, Noa Dalzell and John Zannis, sat down to talk it all over when the news of the three-team deal broke. Check it out below! If you enjoy this pod, check out the "How Bout Them Celtics," "First to the Floor," and the many other New England sports podcasts available on the CLNS Media network: This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: What does it mean to the Celtics after they traded Kristaps Porzingis?
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lakers Fans React to Russell Westbrook News on Thursday
Lakers Fans React to Russell Westbrook News on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Sacramento Kings are entering free agency with a clear point guard priority following the departure of De'Aaron Fox in a midseason trade. The franchise, which finished the 2024-25 campaign at 40-42 and missed the playoffs in the Western Conference play-in tournament, is actively evaluating veteran backcourt options to stabilize its rotation. Advertisement Russell Westbrook is among the names under consideration. The 35-year-old guard spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 regular-season games. Westbrook started the year in a backup role, but he gradually earned more minutes and contributed significantly during the Nuggets' playoff run. However, he declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (0).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Kings' reported interest in Westbrook signals a potential shift toward veteran leadership at the guard position. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Sacramento is weighing options that include Westbrook and Tyus Jones as it prepares for the official start of free agency. Advertisement "Fellow free agents Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook are also known to be options that the Kings are considering," he wrote. "Free agency formally begins at 6 p.m. Eastern on Monday." Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, where Westbrook spent two unsuccessful seasons, have been reacting to the former league MVP potential returning to the Pacific Division. "Nobody wants him," said one Lakers fan. "Someone pray for the kings," joked another. "They tryna add more to their [expletive] show," one added. Other Lakers fans implored the Golden State Warriors to sign him, believing the move would make them worse. Advertisement "Nooooo hes supposed to be a golden state warrior," a Lakers fan wrote. "Golden State Warriors sign him please," echoed another. Related: Lakers Fans Excited After Unexpected Nikola Jokic Trade Message From Nuggets Owner Related: Lakers Fans Upset After Celtics Trade Report on Wednesday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
