For the primary time in years, the Orlando Magic are seen as reliable contenders within the Japanese Convention.
A key purpose behind the Orlando Magic getting promoted to contender standing was buying and selling for Desmond Bane throughout the offseason.
Bane joined the Magic following a stable five-year stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. Sadly, the Magic haven’t seen that model of Bane.
A lot in order that NBA analyst Brian Windhorst not too long ago went off on Bane for his poor begin within the 2025-26 NBA season.
To date, Bane is averaging 16.2 factors, 4.7 rebounds, and three.5 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 42.5% from the sphere.
Bane’s taking pictures effectivity has gone down, and probably the most troubling a part of it’s his three-point taking pictures. The 27-year-old is presently making simply 25.0% of his pictures from deep.
Windhorst addressed Bane’s sluggish begin throughout a current episode of The Hoop Collective podcast.
“Desmond Bane, who they spent lots of his property on, is simply taking pictures 27 % on three,” Windhorst stated.
He added: “Not that Desmond Bane’s three-point taking pictures is the end-all of why the Magic are struggling, however he simply hasn’t gotten off to a terrific begin.”
For context, Bane is a profession 40.8% shooter from deep. Preserving that in thoughts, his present stoop is solely unacceptable.
For years, the Magic have scraped the underside of the barrel within the Japanese Convention. However this 12 months, the Magic have a reliable shot at making a deep playoff run.
Windhorst named that as the rationale behind his harsh criticism of the Magic, even this early within the common season.
“The Magic have expectations for the primary time in additional than a decade, and they’re now being judged on these expectations,” Windhorst continued.
He concluded, stating: “They invested closely on this group, each with how a lot they’re paying this roster and with the commerce for Bane. And 1-4 is just not what they’re wanting for.”
To be exact, the Magic at the moment are 2-4 after their 123-107 win over the Charlotte Hornets, however the report continues to be underwhelming.
