Orlando Magic

SOURCE SPORTS: Paolo Banchero Erupts for Career-High 50 Points, Leads Magic to Historic Victory

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paolo banchero

paolo banchero
Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

One week into his third NBA season, 21-year-old Paolo Banchero is already showcasing remarkable growth, hinting at a new level of play. On Monday, Banchero made franchise history with a career-high 50 points in the Orlando Magic’s thrilling 119-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He scored 37 points in the first half alone and tied the Magic record for most points in a half, matching Tracy McGrady’s 2003 feat.

Banchero finished the night with an impressive 16-of-26 shooting, adding 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks. His stellar first-half performance also placed him in elite company, becoming just the third player since 1997-98 to tally at least 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a half, joining James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.

“That was a magical 1st half for sure … felt like I was in an open gym back at home just working on my game.”

Entering the fourth quarter with 40 points, Banchero capped off his record night with free throws, hitting his 50th point with 10.3 seconds left. This performance makes him the youngest Magic player to score 50, surpassing Shaquille O’Neal’s previous record.

In the win, Banchero joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players since 1973-74 to post 50+ points, 13+ rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks in a single game.

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SOURCE SPORTS: The Orlando Magic Form Delicious Deal With Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

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The Orlando Magic announced today a multiyear partnership with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. The partnership brings the cheesesteak franchise with humble beginnings to the Sunshine State. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks will place their first Orlando location inside the Magic’s home, Kia Center.

“The Magic are thrilled to team up with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and be the first to welcome the franchise to Central Florida,” said Magic Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. “As two companies that believe in the power of teamwork, we look forward to working with the first franchise in Florida and it’s new owner, Derek Lewis. We can’t wait to connect Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks with our local community and give our fans a taste of what it’s all about.”

The partnership will also feature brand integrations including in-arena signage during all Magic home games, and food offerings in the Kia Center with a concession stand on the promenade level and a food cart on the terrace level.

“I’m thrilled to bring Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to the heart of Orlando’s sports and entertainment scene,” said Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks’ first franchise owner Derek Lewis. “This partnership with the Orlando Magic and Kia Center represents a perfect fusion of exceptional food and exhilarating basketball. Opening our doors on October 11 during the preseason is just the beginning of what, I believe, will be a game-changing presence in the arena. As the first franchise owner of Big Dave’s, I’m committed to delivering the same quality and flavor that Derrick Hayes has made famous, while creating a unique experience for Magic fans and visitors alike. This venture is more than just about great cheesesteaks; it’s about fostering community, celebrating diversity, and being part of the electric atmosphere that the Orlando Magic brings to the city. Get ready, Orlando – we’re about to elevate your game day experience!”

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks plans to open 10 Central Florida locations. Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes opened the original location in 2016 in Dunwoody, Ga., which began as a 700-square-foot gas station called Dave’s Philly Water Ice. It has grown to six locations, one in North Carolina and five in Georgia including several in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is now expanding to Florida. 

The post SOURCE SPORTS: The Orlando Magic Form Delicious Deal With Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks first appeared on The Source.

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Playboi Carti Pressured By NBA Team To Drop His Album

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Playboi Carti is an artist who has built an entire brand for himself by being mysterious. Overall, this has caused a lot of strife within his fanbase. Whenever he does speak out, fans treat it like Big Foot has just been proven to be real. However, more often than not, Carti leaves his fans completely and utterly confused. This is because he is constantly making promises he has no intention of keeping. Over the last year, he has consistently teased his new album I Am Music. In fact, he has released six singles since November. Despite this, there is no album release date in sight.

Interestingly enough, Carti just did a cover story with Billboard where it was revealed that he would, in fact, be dropping this year. We will just have to wait and see. As for his social media activity, Carti has been posting new outfits on his Opium burner account. In one of these outfits, Carti can be seen wearing an Orlando Magic jersey with Penny Hardaway’s name and number on the back. This subsequently got the attention of the magic, who took to Twitter to say what we are all thinking.

Read More: Playboi Carti Gives Hopeful Progress Update On His Eagerly Awaited “I Am Music” Album

Playboi Carti Told To Hurry Up

“Drop the album,” they wrote matter-of-factly. The person running the account must be a huge Playboi Carti fan. A frustrated one at that. Having said that, Carti’s new sound is something that should excite fans quite a bit. His six singles, starting with “UR THE MOON” have proven to be extremely popular. However, fans are now unsure if those songs will even be an indication of his album’s sound. We will just have to trust the process and see.

Let us know what you think about Playboi Carti and his constant album delays, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that Carti will actually drop his album at some point this year? Or do you think we will end up having to wait until 2025? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Playboi Carti Forced To Move After Fans Discovered His Home Address

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SOURCE SPORTS: Shaq’s No. 32 Retired by Orlando Magic

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SOURCE SPORTS: Shaq's No. 32 Retired by Orlando Magic

Shaquille O’Neal is officially the first jersey retired by the Orlando Magic organization. The legendary center had his No. 32 raised to the rafters in a postgame ceremony.

“You know, there’s an old saying: Never forget where you come from,” O’Neal said. “And my professional career started here. I’ve been living here mostly all my life. The fans have been hospitable. The people have been very, very hospitable. I never thought this day would happen.”

“There’s no one more deserving to be the first than Shaq,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “Shaq put the Orlando Magic on the map. And the foundation of his Hall of Fame career started right here in Orlando.”

Shaq is now the third player to have his jersey retired by three franchises, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Marovich. His No. 34 is retired by the Los Angeles Lakers, and his No. 32 is retired by the Miami HEAT.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Shaq’s No. 32 Retired by Orlando Magic first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Shaq’s No. 32 Retired by Orlando Magic appeared first on The Source.

Orlando Magic Announce Shaq Jersey Retirement

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The Orlando Magic have announced that Shaq’s jersey will be the first to be retired by the team. “On behalf of the DeVos family and myself and all of us here at the Orlando Magic, we want to congratulate you as we make you the first jersey number retired in the history of the Orlando Magic. You had a great career here at the beginning of your career and we had some great times!” Magic CEO Alex Martins told Shaq on Inside the NBA. Furthermore, the jersey retirement is set for February 13.

Shaq was the Magic’s first-overall pick in the 1992 Draft and helped turn the team into a serious contender in the mid-90s. Addtionally, that included a Finals run in 1995, Shaq’s third season in the league. However, Shaq’s time in Orlando would only last until 1996 when he joined the Lakers in free agency. Shaq would later say that he felt like a “big fish in a dried-up pond” in Orlando. After leaving the Magic, Shaq would go on to win four NBA titles – three with the Lakers and one with the Heat.

Read More: Shaq Sides With Giannis Antetokounmpo In Pacers Game Ball Dispute

Shaq Speaks On Jersey Retirements

Jersey retirements have been something that Shaq has actually spoken on in the last few weeks. The Hall of Famer recently said that he doesn’t necessarily agree with league-wide retirements of certain player jerseys. “I hate the fact that they hang up other people’s jerseys. I hope I’m not disrespecting anybody by this term. This thing is ours. This is what we built. Michael Jordan ain’t never play for the Heat. Bill Russell ain’t never play for the Heat. You did your own thing with your little Celtics family and Chicago family. But this Miami thing? I was one of the original championship families… this is our thing. So, I don’t like that personally,” Shaq said.

Furthermore, Shaq, whose jersey is retired by the Heat, was opining on the retirements following the news that the team would be retiring Udonis Haslem’s jersey in January. Haslem’s jersey will be just the sixth jersey retired by the Heat. The other jerseys of Heat players that have been retired are Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and Shaquille O’Neal.

Read More: Shaq Bet Money On Episodes Of Maury During His NBA Career

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NPBA Calls The Orlando Magic’s Donation To Ron DeSantis “Alarming”

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Quarterly fundraising disclosures in the 2024 Presidential election revealed that back in June, the Orlando Magic gave $50,000 to the campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The move is unsurprising, given that the Magic is owned by the DeVos, longtime and deep-pocketed Republicans. Betsy DeVos, the sister-in-law of current Magic chairman Dan DeVos, served as President Trump’s Secretary of Education.

When asked by the New York Times, a spokesperson for the Magic confirmed the donation. Furthermore, they stated that it “was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.” DeSantis, who has struggled to find national traction with his brand of hardline anti-woke rhetoric, has served as the state’s governor since 2018. While many of his anti-woke stunts have grabbed the national spotlight, his own going battle with Disney is one of the best remembered. Ironically, Disney is the main sponsor of the Magic.

Read More: Joe Biden reviews Oppenheimer after vacation screening

NPBA Weighs In On Magic Donation

After this quarter’s disclosures were made and the Magic’s donation revealed, the NBPA felt compelled to release a statement. “A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary. NBA governors, players, and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players. The Magic’s donation does not player support for the recipient.”

It’s not the first time in basketball history that players have directly opposed their team owners. In 2020, members of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream stood in opposition with one of the team’s owners, then-Senator Kelly Loeffler. Loeffler, a Republican, was a major Trump ally and had blasted the WNBA for kneeling during the national anthem. In response, members of the Dream actively worked for the election campaign of Loeffler’s opponent, Reverend Raphael Warnock. It remains to be seen if there will be a similar reaction to this brazen move by the Magic.

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SOURCE SPORTS: 11 Players Suspended After Pistons-Magic Scuffle in Detroit

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During Wednesday’s game between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, a brawl and scuffle broke out once Magic Forward Franz Wagner bumped Pistons guard Killian Hayes into his own bench. In the aftermath, the NBA suspended 11 players.

Hayes was handed a three-game suspension without pay after hitting Wagner in the back of the head. NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars suspended Wagner for two games and the Pistons’ Hamidou Diallo for one game.

According to ESPN, Eight members of the Magic were suspended with one game apiece for leaving their bench. Those players included Cole Anthony, R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Admiral Schofield, Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba, and Wendell Carter Jr.

The 11 suspensions will result in more than $500,000 in lost pay. Hayes will lose the most money, almost $121,000.

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Nike Air Foamposite One “Penny PE” Revealed

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One of the more polarizing sneakers out there is the Nike Air Foamposite One. Don’t get us wrong, this is a classic sneaker. However, there are plenty of sneakerheads out there who do not care for the silhouette. It is one of those cases where they are an acquired taste.

Of course, Penny Hardaway is the man responsible for making these so popular. While playing for the Orlando Magic, Hardaway was constantly wearing Foamposites, and they gained a cult following. Overall, it’s hard to imagine these being popular without Penny’s influence.

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Image via Nike

Nike Air Foamposite One Returns

During his time in Orlando, Hardaway used to wear an all-white pair of Foamposites. These were nicknamed “Home” as they went with the Magic’s white jerseys. Unfortunately, this color scheme never made it to the market, however, that is going to change in 2023.

In the official images below, you can find the 2023 version of the Nike Air Foamposite One “Penny PE.” Firstly, this shoe opens up with a white upper. From there, black is found on the tongue, cuff, and linings. It makes for a simple color scheme, albeit one that appeals to Penny fans.

Penny PE – Image via Nike

If you love the Foamposite, then you need to go out and grab these. This is a shoe that fans have been begging for, and now, it is going to hit the market. Hopefully, Nike has plans to drop even more great shoes that never hit retail. After all, it’s a good way to make a boat load of cash.

Release Details

At the time of writing this, the shoe does not yet have an exact release date. However, you can expect these to drop as of February for a price of $240 USD. Let us know what you think of them, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world.

Nike Air Foamposite One
Image via Nike
Nike Air Foamposite One – Image via Nike
Image via Nike

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SOURCE SPORTS: Orlando Magic Win 2022 NBA Draft Lottery

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Orlando Magic, you are on the clock. The Magic won the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, which was held at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. The NBA Draft is set for June 23 and the Magic will pick first.

This is the first time the Magic will pick first overall since 2004 when they drafted Dwight Howard. Prior to that year, the Magic used a No. 1 pick to pick up Shaquille O’neal in 1992. The Magic traded their 1993 No. 1 pick to get Penny Hardaway. That pick resulted in the Golden State Warriors picking up Chris Webber.

“The fans, the organization, it’s so exciting,” said Jamahl Mosley, Magic head coach. “It’s so much to look forward to with this organization and this group and this fan base, it’s gonna be special.”

Orlando, along with the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons, had a 14 percent chance of getting the first pick. The Magic’s pick will join a young core that features Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner. Top big man prospects Jabari Smith of Auburn, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, and Duke’s Paolo Banchero are all available to Orlando.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will choose No. 2 overall, their first top-four pick since drafting James Harden in 2009. At No. 12, the Thunder have a second lottery pick. The Rockets, who held the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft, will draft at No. 3.

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