Southeast Roundup: Magic Fans Welcome Bane, Hawks Keep Options Open, Leonsis Targets More Franchises, George Impresses for Canada
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Orlando’s offseason gamble on guard Desmond Bane is already paying off in the court of public opinion. The former Grizzlies scorer said Thursday he can feel the city’s enthusiasm everywhere he goes.
“I haven’t even managed a grocery run yet,” Bane told reporters. “My car stalled on the highway today, and people in the passing lanes were yelling my name. You can tell the fans are excited.”
The Magic, who added Bane earlier this summer, believe the 27-year-old can push a young core featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and a rapidly improving Jalen Suggs into the Eastern Conference title picture. With Cleveland and New York expected to open the season as early favorites—and injuries sidelining Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton—the conference appears wide open.
“There’s no ceiling for us,” Bane said. “This roster is versatile, and I want to be the glue that pulls everything together.”
Hawks gain flexibility with Bufkin deal
Atlanta continued its roster maneuvering this week, sending second-year guard Kobe Bufkin to Brooklyn. According to Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron, the move balances short-term competitiveness with long-range planning. By shedding Bufkin’s contract, the Hawks created additional room to negotiate extensions for Dyson Daniels or Kristaps Porzingis when both become eligible next year.
Leonsis interested in Nationals, D.C. United
Monumental Sports CEO Ted Leonsis, who already controls the NBA’s Wizards and NHL’s Capitals, told NBC’s Greg Rosenstein he would like to add Major League Baseball’s Nationals and Major League Soccer’s D.C. United to his portfolio. Leonsis said he maintains a strong relationship with current Nationals owner Mark Lerner but added that Lerner is not yet prepared to sell.
George uses AmeriCup to boost confidence
Wizards guard Kyshawn George averaged 13.5 points while serving as a primary scoring option for Canada at this month’s AmeriCup. The second-year pro believes the tournament experience will translate to NBA success. “My aggression with the ball—creating for myself and my teammates—went up,” George said. “Now it’s on me to bring that back to the Wizards and keep improving.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
