Magic newcomers Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones are eager to take the court for the first time in an Orlando uniform, and their first opportunity to do so comes Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Following four days of training camp at the AdventHealth Training Center, Jamahl Mosley‘s squad will travel south to take on the Miami Heat in their preseason opener.
Bane, who spent the first five years of his career in Memphis before the Magic traded for him this summer, shared what’s stood out to him so far about the organization.
“It’s just the people from top to bottom,” he said this week. “Starting with Jeff, to Mosley, trickles down through the players, support staff, it’s just good people. An organic vibe, it’s a breath of fresh air, for sure.”
Jones believes he’s adjusted well since signing as a free agent after one year in Phoenix.
“Just figuring out the system, the guys, just getting the chemistry down … Each day is feeling better and better,” the veteran guard said. “That’s what training camp is for and we’re going to continue to focus to try to get better every day.”
Bane and Jones will have to wait to take the floor with guard Jalen Suggs (left knee trochlea cartilage tear) and backup center Moe Wagner (left knee torn ACL). The pair continued to take part in only non-contact drills this week as they rehab left knee injuries suffered last season.
With Suggs out, Mosley has experimented with the guard’s spot in the starting lineup.
“The great part about our team is that there is continuity but there’s also versatility,” Mosley said. “And with that versatility, it’s interesting, Anthony Black found himself playing the 4 [Friday.] It’s just that ability to play off each other. We’re not trying to teach them plays, we’re teaching them how to play the right way to play.
“And that’s quick decisions, that’s aggressive attacking the basket, that’s sharing the ball, finding the open man,” he added. “The right play is the right play no matter who’s out there with you. And that’s what we’re trying to get accomplished more than trying to run a set.”
Mosley didn’t divulge how many minutes Orlando’s starters will play in the preseason opener but mentioned they’ll ramp up to opening night Oct. 22 vs. Miami at Kia Center.
In Puerto Rico, the Heat won’t have Tyler Herro (left ankle surgery), Kasparas Jakucionis (wrist), Pelle Larsson (left quad bruise), Davion Mitchell (calf soreness) and Terry Rozier (hamstring).
“You use it as an extension of training camp, so it’s all going to be a build up,” Mosley said about the preseason. “That’s the big portion of it for us right now, just building up guys’ minutes, endurance and conditioning as the preseason games go on.”
Saturday’s game will mark the first time the Magic play in Puerto Rico and the eighth preseason game the Magic have played outside of the United States and Canada.
“I love being in Puerto Rico,” said Mosley, who mentioned he took his family there two years ago on vacation. “The fans are absolutely amazing. To have that level of passion behind the game and how they love the game, it’s a beautiful thing.”
For Bane and Jones, the duo have learned plenty about their new teammates and that process will take its next step Saturday.
“We’ve got some workers,” Bane said. “Some guys who are willing to come in here and really push themselves to improve or are willing to be pushed. Anytime you have that, you have a chance. We’ve got the talent in here [and] a unique roster with multiple guys who can do multiple things so it’s about staying together and coming together.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Up next …
Magic vs. Heat
When: 8, Saturday, Coliseo de Puerto Rico (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
TV: NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network Florida
