The Orlando Magic’s aggressive move for guard Desmond Bane has the locker room buzzing, with forward Paolo Banchero calling the former Memphis Grizzlies scorer “the perfect match” for the team’s push up the Eastern Conference standings.
Orlando completed the deal earlier this offseason, parting with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and a future first-round swap. Banchero told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that Bane’s combination of outside shooting, playmaking and physical strength addresses a void on the roster.
“We don’t have anybody who can make shots like him and then create for others,” Banchero said. “He’s stronger than 99 percent of the guards in the league and fits exactly what we do.”
Bane learned of the trade on Father’s Day when Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman texted and then FaceTimed him to relay the news. Although surprised after five seasons in Memphis, Bane said he holds no hard feelings and is eager for a “good situation” in Orlando. He lamented that injuries prevented the Grizzlies’ core from playing a full season together, noting, “You can only wait so long in this business.”
Injury updates and coaching twist
Head coach Jamahl Mosely put injured guards Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner in charge of coaching duties during Wednesday’s team scrimmage, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Suggs is rehabbing a left knee trochlea cartilage tear suffered in January, while Wagner continues to recover from a torn ACL in his left knee. Mosely said the assignment emphasized communication standards and allowed both players to relay strategic points to their teammates.
Franz Wagner, who rested the first preseason game after a busy summer at EuroBasket, hopes to play in at least one of the next three exhibitions. “Not that much time before the first real game,” he told the Sentinel.
Extension-eligible youngsters
The upcoming season also carries weight for Anthony Black and Jett Howard. The 2023 lottery picks will become eligible for rookie-scale extensions next summer, putting an additional spotlight on their development and roles in Mosely’s rotation.
Orlando opens the regular season later this month, aiming to convert its off-season gamble into a sustained playoff push.
Source: Hoops Rumors
