The Magic made one of the biggest moves of the offseason, trading multiple assets and veteran players to acquire Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies. John Schuhmann, the senior stats analyst for NBA.com, examines how Bane can impact Orlando’s offense.
Using a film study approach, Schuhmann lays out Bane’s strengths and details how he can blend with Orlando’s roster. Bane should help the Magic get more easy buckets on the break, increase off-the-ball movement and provide more off-the-catch opportunities for star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
We have more from the Eastern Conference:
- The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson takes a deep dive into the Heat‘s asset management over the past decade, breaking them down into regrettable, commendable and defensible decisions. Jackson notes that the reason why the franchise hasn’t hoarded first-round picks is that it would go against its philosophy of never tanking or intentionally taking steps back with the hope of a brighter future. The Heat’s yearly goals also include trying to win as many games as possible every season, even if the roster isn’t championship-caliber.
- Orlando Sentinel Mike Bianchi opines that the Magic must resurrect their rivalry with the Heat. The Southeast Division foes play against each other on opening night and Bianchi urges Orlando fans to muster up passion and hatred toward their in-state opponent.
- The Bulls have promoted Austin Dufault to director of player development and Isiah Price to coordinator of player development, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network tweets. Dufault was an assistant coach with the Pistons from 2021-23.
I love the look of this Orlando squad. Versatility defensively, can switch everything. Guards can guard much bigger guys and bigs switch well and guard smaller guys. Got scoring, depth and room for improvement from within. I expect improvement this season then it’s game on going forward as far as legit contender goes. Crap season health wise last season. Same as everyone health is vital to their legit chances.
There is no rivalry once they did away with the division champions and went to the one through eight
Heat just think everyone wants to sign with them because of Miami, but Riley is a liability.
Hahaha what? Based on?
Orlando basically is a complete team, although I think they still needing a real shot blocker, but the question is. How mentally tough they are?
Orlando is for real. They are deep too. They still have to show it. Potential and good moves don’t mean anything. If you don’t win. With Celtics and Pacers down this year. Magic have a real shot at top 4 in East. Magic are still a young team growing. So could do even better. They need more scoring. Bane should provide that. Their bench has to step up too. Magic are better than Heat. But Heat youngsters are due to step up. A Magic vs Heat rivalry could push Heat to do better. Heat can be a playoff team also.
The East is Cavs, Knicks, Sixers to me.
I wished I shared your optimism on the Sixers. I figure we need just about everything to bounce right just to be a 6 seed. My guess is we are a play in team unless everything bounces wrong.
With Sixers it’s all about health. PG has sat all year. He wasn’t even really hurt. They just gave up on season. Embiid is the one you need to watch. Yet he too has had over a year to heal. You can manage his mins so he can be there for playoffs. With Grimes signed. It’s really all about Embiid. He can give 30 mins or more. Sixers will be there in the end. Sixers are deep. Had an excellent draft.
I like Orlando but I still think they look a little clunky. Mainly just the lack of shooting from Suggs Franz and Paolo.
Not that it’ll happen but Franz for Trey Murphy.
Suggs Bane Murphy Paolo that’s a really solid looking group. Trey is really smart, he’s long, he’s versatile, he plays both ends, I think he could be the perfect 3rd option on a championship side.
And for New Orleans I like the idea of Herb and Franz as a forward duo. Both interchangeable at the 3/4 spots, Herb can provide the muscle and defence and allow Franz to focus more on offence. You’ve got Dejounte Poole and Fears in the backcourt and Looney Queen and Missi down low. Trade Zion and you’d be a fresh side
I wouldn’t trade Trey for Franz if I’m NO, but interesting idea
Bulls send a offer to Bates