Orlando Magic’s recent acquisition of Desmond Bane is seen by star point guard Jalen Suggs as a significant boost for the team‘s future prospects. Suggs emphasized that Bane’s presence will bring a strong competitive edge to the Magic’s roster moving forward.
Speaking during a SportsCenter appearance, Suggs praised Bane’s mindset and skillset:
“Bringing another dog into our roster,”
he said.
“Everything from what I’ve seen, playing against him, and from what I hear from people who have been around him, is that his mentality is elite. You can see his shooting ability has been top of the league the past couple of years. His ability to play off the catch, another versatile ball-handler, down the line we can play 1-4—even 5 with [Wendell Carter]—everybody with the ball in their hands, making plays and being aggressive against closeouts.”
—Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic point guard
Desmond Bane’s Scoring Abilities Can Lift Orlando’s Offense
Bane has averaged 17.8 points per game over his five NBA seasons, shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc during his career. His scoring and shooting will help address Orlando’s offensive challenges, as the team previously struggled to score efficiently. Last season, the Magic averaged just 105.4 points per game, ranking 28th in the league, and posted the league’s second-lowest three-point shooting percentage at 31.8 percent.
The Magic have historically relied on strong defense but lacked sufficient firepower, making Bane’s addition a vital upgrade to their lineup.
Costly Trade Reflects Orlando’s Commitment to Winning
To acquire Bane, the Magic traded several valuable assets, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, along with four unprotected first-round picks in 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2030, plus a first-round pick swap in 2029 to the Memphis Grizzlies. This substantial investment signals Orlando’s determination to improve their competitive standing in the Eastern Conference.
If Bane serves as the catalyst that pushes the Magic deeper into the playoffs, the hefty price paid will likely be viewed as worthwhile. The move also offers flexibility in their lineup, particularly with Wendell Carter’s presence, enabling multiple players to handle the ball effectively and create opportunities.
Potential Impact on Orlando Magic’s Eastern Conference Ambitions
The acquisition of Desmond Bane represents a key step for Orlando as they aim to move beyond their recent postseason appearances and challenge top contenders in the Eastern Conference. With enhanced scoring and a versatile roster, the Magic could become a stronger threat in future NBA seasons.