Mar 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) keeps the ball away from Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

'He’s a Swiss Army Knife' – Orlando Magic Guard Draws Bold 'Missing Piece' Claim From Paolo Banchero

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 12:38 AM ET

Paolo Banchero strongly believes that the Orlando Magic have all the tools to contend in the Eastern Conference, and the team’s offseason acquisition of Desmond Bane is the icing on the cake.

Last June, the Orlando Magic acquired Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony (now with the Milwaukee Bucks), and several first-round picks.

“He adds what we’re missing, and he also adds to what we already have. It’s like the perfect match. We don’t have anybody who can make shots like him, who can kind of leverage the way he is able to make shots, then make plays for others and get downhill and create,” Banchero said about Bane via Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.

Mar 21, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) rebounds the ball against Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

“He’s a Swiss Army knife as a player, as a guard. He is stronger than 99 percent of the guards in the league with how he’s built. He’s going to fit into what we do,” he added.

Orlando Magic News: Tyus Jones sends clear message to fans

Besides Desmond Bane, the Orlando Magic also acquired Tyus Jones to shore up their backcourt. He is coming off a productive 2024-25 campaign, averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 44.8 percent shooting from the field across 81 regular season appearances for the Phoenix Suns.

Feb 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones (21) drives to the basket between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the first half of a game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“I appreciate the love. I plan on making those fans happy and look forward to playing in front of them. But this has been a place where I’ve kinda had my eye on and thought the fit was there the last few years,” Jones said via Ryan Kaminski on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“And it just eventually played itself out. The time is right now. I’m excited to be here. The fit is right. I don’t want to put too many expectations on it, but I know it’s gonna be a good year,” he concluded.