Desmond Bane made his Orlando Magic debut Wednesday night against the Miami Heat.
The Magic won 125-121 with great performances from Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Bane.
Orlando traded five first-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason in exchange for Bane, hoping they would make room for Banchero and Wagner.
Bane noticed something different from his time in Memphis, and he also found himself benefiting from his new surroundings.
His postgame comments about Paolo Banchero could even be interpreted as criticizing former teammate Jaren Jackson Jr.
- read more: NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hated the way Dwight Howard played basketball during his prime with the Orlando Magic
Most Magic fans thought Bane’s 3-point shooting would allow Banchero to score more freely.
What many don’t appreciate is that Banchero’s gravity also increases Bane’s scoring opportunities.
The shooting guard admitted after the Magic’s win that Banchero is the first teammate he’s “feared” more than he is.
“Honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever been in a pick-and-roll situation with a guy that’s more feared than me, maybe as much as I am,” Bane said.
“I think we got exactly what we wanted. On the first play of the game, I hit him in the pocket and he made the play.
“I think organizationally there are some things we have to sort out, but late in the game it’s definitely something we can work on and grow from.”
Bane’s comments were surprising considering he played alongside All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis.
Banchero also spoke positively about his connection with Bane in the Magic’s season-opening win.
The former No. 1 pick told reporters that he asked Bane to play pick-and-roll more often.
“In fact, during the game I told him he has to do more because he’s causing so much trouble,” Banchero said.
“Obviously, he draws a lot of attention when he comes off screens with the ball in his hands, so being able to use that as a screener for me could be an easy look.”
It’s too early to get carried away, but the Magic look like they’ll be an Eastern Conference contender this season.