Nikola Vucevic's return to the Orlando Magic has already made an impression on new teammate Desmond Bane as the organization prepares for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Following Orlando's second day of training camp Wednesday, Bane discussed what he has seen from the veteran center since Vucevic returned to the franchise this offseason. Speaking with the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede, Bane pointed to Vucevic's experience and serious approach to winning.
“Man, super, super cool dude. Anybody that’s been in the league for as long as he has, you’ve got to respect it and have your ear to what he’s saying,” Bane said. “A guy like that can really drop some wisdom, and he has a very serious approach. I mean, he wants to win.”
Vucevic returned to Orlando on a one-year deal five years after the Magic traded him to the Chicago Bulls during the 2020-21 season. The veteran spent several seasons in Chicago before playing part of the 2025-26 campaign with the Boston Celtics.
Now back with the franchise where he spent more than eight seasons, Vucevic is attempting to help an Orlando team looking to move beyond the first round of the playoffs.
Article Continues BelowEarlier after #Magic practice, I asked Desmond Bane what it’s been like working with Nikola Vucevic, who he described as a “super, super cool dude.”
“Anybody that’s been in the league for as long as he has, you’ve got to respect it and have your ear to what he’s saying.”
More: pic.twitter.com/QlZXRUR8gr
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) September 30, 2026
“That’s about the only thing he hasn’t accomplished in his 16 years, is getting to that mountaintop,” Bane said. “So, he’s been serious. But he’s also bringing guys along, coming to team dinners, really spending time trying to bond with us, so that’s been cool.”
Nikola Vucevic brings veteran presence to Magic
Vucevic's experience provides another dimension to an Orlando roster built primarily around a younger core featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
Bane is also preparing for his second season with the Magic after becoming a major piece of the team's rotation following his arrival from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Vucevic has previously made it clear that team success is his biggest priority during his return to Orlando. The veteran center is within striking distance of Nick Anderson and Dwight Howard on the Magic's all-time scoring list but said winning takes precedence over individual milestones.
His early impact also appears to extend beyond the court. According to Bane, Vucevic has already made an effort to build relationships with his teammates while bringing the perspective of a 16-year NBA veteran to Orlando's locker room.