Orlando, FL — Paolo Banchero says he is ready for a season filled with higher stakes after the Orlando Magic reshaped their roster during the offseason.
“You want to be expected to be great,” the forward told The Athletic, adding that the organization’s decision to acquire Desmond Bane shocked him at first. Orlando sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and four first-round draft picks to Memphis to complete the deal.
“When I heard it was Desmond Bane, I was like, ‘He’s a hell of a player,’” Banchero said. The 27-year-old guard and noted long-range shooter joins a core that now includes veteran point guard Tyus Jones, who signed a one-year contract.
Banchero expects both newcomers to influence the group on and off the court. “They just know how to play,” he said. “They have great feel for when to shoot, when to drive, when to make plays.”
Injury Updates
Jalen Suggs, whose season ended in March after arthroscopic knee surgery, called this summer “the hardest” of his career during a recent podcast appearance. He said his rehab focuses on “minute muscles” and that his return will happen “in God’s time.” The club is expected to provide a more detailed timeline for Suggs and for Moritz Wagner—rehabbing an ACL tear—on Monday.
Rotation Outlook
The bench will look different following the departures of Anthony, Gary Harris, Cory Joseph and Caleb Houstan. Internal growth from Anthony Black, Jett Howard and Tristan da Silva is expected to support Jones’ playmaking. Head coach Jamahl Mosley typically keeps rotations intact, and if Suggs is unavailable to open the season, rookie guard Jase Richardson could be elevated to the starting lineup.
Two-Way Contract Watch
Orlando currently has Jamal Cain and Orlando Robinson on two-way deals, leaving one spot open. Players on Exhibit 10 contracts vying for that slot include Reece Beekman, Colin Castleton, Justin Minaya, Lester Quinones and Alex Morales. Castleton and Morales have prior experience with the franchise’s G League affiliate in Osceola; Morales spent three seasons there, while Castleton played part of last year.
The Magic open training camp next week as they attempt to build on last season’s progress with a retooled roster and elevated expectations.
Source: Hoops Rumors
