Last year at training camp, everyone was excited for what the Orlando Magic could be.
The addition of Desmond Bane had the team riding high. There was one problem: The Magic had to integrate Bane into the team and the lineup in training camp.
That proved to be a more difficult and longer process than anyone anticipated.
Even into the regular season, it was clear that Desmond Bane and the team were still figuring each other out. Bane got off to a slow start as he often deferred to the other established players on the team.
He and the Magic figured out the balance by the end of the season. Bane ended up with a solid season.
Bane enters this season with something different: Comfort.
There are a lot of changes to the Magic with a new coaching staff trying to shake things up and implement their style and principles. But the Magic's continuity is one of the team's advantages.
And Bane is eager to make a bigger impact in his second season.
"It's night and day," Bane said after practice on Wednesday. "I know Paolo [Banchero]'s play style, I know [Jalen] Suggs, I know Franz [Wanger]. Even though it's a new system, I kind of know how I can help them and vice versa. It will take a little time with the new system. As far as getting acclimated, it's been much easier."
There is a lot that is new for the Magic. But through all that change, one thing is familiar. The team is largely intact, retaining the foundations from the previous years and the relationships moving forward.
No one could feel that more than Bane entering his second year with the team.
Bane's slow start
The Orlando Magic likely hinted at the problems they would face all season with how much they struggled right out of the gate last season. Their defense was inconsistent from the jump. Those problems never went away.
But one of the early-season concerns was integrating Desmond Bane into the lineup. It was a slow job getting everything the team could out of Bane.
In the first 11 games last season, Bane averaged just 14.9 points per game and shot 27.7 percent from three on just 4.3 attempts per game.
It certainly was not the transformative offensive and shooting engine the Magic hoped for when they acquired him.
Bane was never truly concerned. He goes through shooting slumps as any shooter does. But the Magic were still trying to figure him out. And he was trying to figure the team out.
The last two games in that run saw Bane shoot only one 3-point attempt in a loss to the Boston Celtics. The game-winning three against the Portland Trail Blazers, his only three in that game, was a true turning point in the season.
But that moment unlocked something. The Magic started getting more from Bane.
For the remaining 71 games, Bane averaged 20.9 points per game and shot 40.5 percent from three on 5.4 attempts per game.
"We are rolling into camp, and we already know each other," Bane said after practice Wednesday. "We've been through a little bit together. Trying to integrate me last year into the starting lineup takes time. I feel like we caught our stride throughout the season and kind of found our rhythm together. I think that we've got a chance to do something special with this group."
The Magic do not have to take that time this year. They know how Bane works.
Orlando would love to get those 3-point attempts up. But something clicked, and Bane started playing freer. The Magic integrated him more clearly into the team's plans and identity.
Not only did he play all 82 games, but he delivered most of what the Magic asked of him.
Bane ended up averaging about the same as he did in his last year with the Memphis Grizzlies. The only number that was down was his 3-point attempts per game.
Familiarity and continuity are two of the strengths the Magic have entering this season. There was a lot of change around the Eastern Conference. Even though Orlando is changing coaches and its offensive and defensive processes, that familiarity with the roster will help.
Bane steps into a bigger role
How different things will be remains the big question. But the expectation is that this offense will be a lot more open and will get Bane the shot attempts he struggled to find last year -- injuries certainly pushed Bane into a more creator and on-ball role.
Wednesday's morning practice was focused on spacing and the lanes the Orlando Magic want to run in transition. That is certainly a space where Bane can thrive.
One area where the Magic can grow quickly is the familiarity within the team. Once the team understands the thoughts and processes the new coaching staff wants, the understanding of how each other plays will help things click more.
Bane is fully part of this group that has largely been together for the last four years.
"He does a great job in talking," Jalen Suggs said after practice Wednesday. "We have gotten some pretty good reps together. Individually, we have all gotten stints to play with him and making sure we spend time on and off the court. We feel good about being on the court with him. We understand where he likes to get to. We are all pretty comfortable playing with him. Just looking to get more reps up and growing the relationship in both ways."
Bane was still a boost last year.
The Magic were 4.3 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor compared to off the floor last year, according to DataBallr. He and Jalen Suggs had a +6.5 net rating (116.6/110.1) when they were on the floor togehter. It was +2.2 playing alongside Franz Wagner and +1.6 playing alongside Paolo Banchero.
The Magic won their minutes with Bane on the floor alongside every starter.
But what has stood out about Bane in the early parts of his tenure has been his leadership.
He was a clear leader helping hold the team together through some ups and downs last season.
Sean Sweeney joined the team and has said in multiple outlets that Bane is "leadership personified." Bane reportedly hosted several players at his offseason home near Dallas for group workouts. He has a big part to play in getting this team together and on the same page.
That only comes because he is now familiar with everyone on the team. It has made for a small advantage entering this season. And Bane seems set for a stronger second season in Orlando.
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