Desmond Bane begins a new chapter of his NBA career after becoming a member of the Orlando Magic. The star guard gave his thoughts on what the fit can look like for him on his new team.
Bane represented the Memphis Grizzlies for the first five years of his career. The team selected him with the 30th pick of the 2020 NBA Draft after acquiring the pick from the Boston Celtics, developing him into a star player alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
However, his time with the Grizzlies came to an end after their first-round series sweep to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 playoffs. They traded him to the Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round picks.
Bane joins a Magic squad that headlines Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as their star players. They also have solid players in Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac among others, having his inclusion elevate the team’s ceiling.
Bane appeared on a June 26 edition of The Ringer podcast with Zach Lowe. He reflected on his overall fit with Orlando, believing it is an ideal spot for his skillset.
“I don’t think there could’ve been a much better fit. I think it fits like a glove. My skill set is something that I think that can really help take some pressure off of Franz [Wagner], Paolo [Banchero], [Jalen] Suggs, and all the guys. I’m excited to get to work and go make something happen in the east,” Bane said.
“I don’t think there could’ve been a much better fit.”@DBane0625 explains to @ZachLowe_NBA why he’s so excited to play in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/ek8XrmLKyS
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 26, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
What’s Next For Desmond Bane, Magic
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 25: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at FedExForum on February 25, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)
Desmond Bane believes he couldn’t be in a better situation than being with the Magic.
Bane averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game after five seasons with the Grizzlies. He shot 47.2% from the field, including 41% from beyond the arc, and 88.3% from the free-throw line.
After scoring a career-high 23.7 points last year, this past season saw him decrease his points per game. He produced 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He had shooting splits of 48.4% overall, including 39.2% from downtown, and 89.4% from the charity stripe.
His elite shooting accuracy from the perimeter would significantly improve the Magic’s production in that area. They were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, which exposed them during their first-round series loss to the Boston Celtics this postseason.
Despite this, Orlando has showed resilience, putting intense pressure on the former defending champions. Even though they lost in five games, they made life difficult for the Celtics to get easy buckets on offense.
The Magic have suffered consecutive first-round exits in 2024 and 2025. However, their addition of Bane to pair with Paolo Banchero, Franz Waner and Jalen Suggs will present them as a formidable opponent going into next season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Desmond Bane Gives Thoughts On Overall Fit With Magic appeared first on Heavy Sports.