Ex TCU Star Desmond Bane Must Step Up as Paolo Banchero's Absence Hurts Struggling Magic

The Orlando Magic have gotten off to a disappointing start to the 2026-27 NBA season, and things are not getting any easier with Paolo Banchero sidelined by an ankle injury.

With perhaps their biggest offensive weapon unavailable, former TCU star Desmond Bane will need to take on an even larger role if Orlando hopes to turn things around.

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The Magic are currently 2-6 overall and have yet to win a game at home, falling to 0-4 at the Kia Center following Monday's 103-94 loss to the Washington Wizards. Orlando has struggled to find consistency offensively, and losing Banchero has made that challenge considerably more difficult.

Banchero suffered a low-grade right high ankle sprain against Minnesota on October 23. Although the team has not provided a definitive return date, his absence is expected to keep him out for an extended stretch.

That leaves Bane, Franz Wagner, and the remaining healthy players responsible for keeping the offense productive. Bane, who is averaging 17.5 points per game this season, has already shown that he can contribute offensively, scoring 20 points against Washington. However, Orlando needs him to become a more consistent scoring threat while Banchero works his way back.

The former Horned Frog is no stranger to carrying an offensive load. During his time at TCU, Bane established himself as one of the program's most productive players, eventually becoming the last pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He developed into a legitimate NBA scoring threat during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies before joining Orlando.

Now, the Magic need that same version of Bane to emerge.

His ability to knock down perimeter shots, attack defenders, and create opportunities for teammates makes him an important piece of Orlando's offense. With Banchero unavailable, Bane cannot simply be a complementary scorer. He needs to become one of the primary players defenses have to account for every possession.

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The Magic also have to address their turnover problems and improve their late-game execution. They committed 18 turnovers against Washington, resulting in 22 points for the Wizards.

Orlando still has plenty of basketball left to play, but its slow start has created some urgency. If Bane can elevate his production during Banchero's absence, the Magic could have a much better chance of finding their footing.