Almost halfway through his first season with the Magic, newcomer guard Desmond Bane has learned plenty about the fans who support the organization.
While he’s heard them cheer him on from the stands and has interacted with some inside Kia Center, Bane took the opportunity to make his first public appearance in Orlando on Saturday to meet-and-greet with them in-person and sign some autographs.
Magic fans didn’t squander the chance to snap photos, shake hands and create memories with Bane when they lined up around the building of the SoDo Planet Fitness, not far from where the team wrapped up practice an hour earlier at the AdventHealth Training Center in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Pelicans.
“It’s the only way you really become part of the community,” Bane said when asked why it was important for him to meet with fans Saturday. “Them coming to basketball games and stuff like that is obviously one way to be around, but there’s not too much that’s personable about that.
“These appearances and experiences are huge,” he added.
It’s been almost seven months since the Magic acquired Bane in a blockbuster deal with the Grizzlies, who landed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony (now with the Bucks) and four future first-round picks in exchange for the then-26-year-old.
Having spent the first five years of his career in Memphis, Bane and his family have adjusted swimmingly to their new lifestyle in Central Florida while taking in the sights and sounds around town.
“I still can’t believe it’s 75 degrees in January,” Bane said with a grin. “Every time we travel and come home, it’s such a refreshing feeling. The food scene is actually better than I had anticipated. We’ve really enjoyed that.
“For the kids of course, there’s so much to do. It’s been a perfect match.”
Although Bane has grown more and more comfortable with his new Magic teammates as the season has progressed, he still hadn’t gotten a chance to step on the court with Moe Wagner.
Around the same time Bane was meeting with fans, the team announced Wagner would be available to make his season debut Sunday against New Orleans, more than a year after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee.
It’s a return that took place just in time for Orlando’s upcoming overseas trip to Berlin, Germany, the site of Thursday’s contest between the Magic and Bane’s former team, Memphis, in Wagner’s hometown.
The sides meet again three days later in London.
“Everybody’s told me about the energy and the swag that he plays with and brings,” Bane said about Moe Wagner, whose younger brother Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain) remained out against New Orleans. “So, I can’t wait to share the court with him.
“More than anything, I’m just happy for him,” he added. “It’s been a long journey fighting his way back. So, we’re excited to welcome him back with open arms.”
Bane’s come to learn that Magic fans feel the same way about the 6-foot-11 center who last played Dec. 21, 2024 prior to Sunday. And the Magic guard appreciates their support.
“There’s fans all over the place that love Magic basketball and really support Magic basketball,” Bane said. “It’s been nothing but love from the start.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
Magic vs. Grizzlies
When: 2 p.m., Thursday, Uber Arena (Berlin, Germany)
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida/Amazon Prime Video