Branson Brooks

Joined: May 22, 2025

Branson Brooks is a journalism graduate of Howard University. He was one of the 2024 recipients of the Terez Paylor Scholarship award. He most recently worked for Scholar Athletes Sports Network as a High School Sideline Reporter throughout the Washington D.C. area

Apr 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) warms up before game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Apr 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the second quarter during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Apr 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrate after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Mar 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones (21) calls out a play against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Feb 21, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) moves the ball in front of Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Desmond Bane believes him joining the Orlando Magic "fits like a glove."

Feb 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2), forward Tristan da Silva (23), guard Anthony Black (0), guard Trevelin Queen (12) and guard Jett Howard (13) huddle in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic must find homegrown contributors or possibly find a ready-now replacement in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Jan 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the first quarter at the Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic should be ecstatic Kevin Durant will not join the Miami Heat, where he would become a big threat in the Southeast Division.

Mar 14, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane (22) shoots a three-pointer in the 1st quarter of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Memphis Grizzlies game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Smith-Imagn Images

With the Orlando Magic's acquisition of Desmond Bane, the Orlando Magic aim to elevate their scoring from borderline mediocre to a true offensive juggernaut.

Nov 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

NBA insider Colin Cowherd believes the Orlando Magic can be the new Indiana Pacers after acquisition of Desmond Bane.

Apr 15, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) reacts after making a basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic's acquisition of Desmond Bane has raised eyebrows due to the substantial assets Orlando relinquished. The Magic's young talent will now need to raise their level of play, so the team won't regret trading all those picks.

Apr 15, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) reacts after making a there point shot against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

While many fans are questioning the steep draft capital given up acquiring Desmond Bane, others are disheartened by the loss of a homegrown player in Cole Anthony, who had become a fan-favorite in Orlando.

March 14, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) loses control of the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (center) and shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic legend Dwight Howard and former NBA player Lance Stephenson got into an all-out brawl during their Big 3 debuts that eventually spilled into the stands.

Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Shaquille O'Neal speaks on a broadcast before game two between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

In an episode of The Pivot Podcast, Shaquille O'Neal gave his thoughts on how a few current NBA players would have fared back in his era. He also weighed in on the current state of media coverage surrounding the league.

Mar 30, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) and Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) warm up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black were spotted in the front row as the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game four.

Branson Brooks

Joined: May 22, 2025

Magic's Franz Wagner Stars As Germany Wins FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Opener

ESPN Predicts Magic Make Big Leap In Eastern Conference Standings

Magic’s Emerging Potential Has Top Eastern Conference Coach On High Alert

Orlando Magic Fans Believe Tyus Jones Makes Them A Contender In East

Desmond Bane Delivers Perfect Assessment On Fit With Orlando Magic

NBA Insider Bobby Marks Expresses Concern Over Magic’s Youth Before Draft

Orlando Magic Maintain Southeast Lead With Kevin Durant Headed to Houston

NBA Insider Says Desmond Bane Was Better Fit In Orlando Than 4-Time All-Star

Colin Cowherd Puts Orlando Magic On Different Level After Desmond Bane Trade

Orlando Magic Choose Homegrown Players Over Draft Picks In Desmond Bane Deal

Orlando Magic Fans Show Nothing But Love For Cole Anthony After Blockbuster Trade

Orlando Magic Legend Dwight Howard Brawls With Lance Stephenson In Big3 Debut

Shaquille O'Neal Compares Tyrese Haliburton To Orlando Magic Legend

Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs Shows Support For Ex-High School Teammate