Translator's note: The original text was published in The Athletic. The data in the article were as of the time of the original text (September 18 local time). The dates and times involved were all local time

The car broke down on a busy highway, which usually brings great frustration to car owners and other drivers stuck on the road.

But for Desmond Bain, his car was shut down next to an Orlando highway on Wednesday, and the experience clearly showed him how happy Magic fans were about him joining the team.

First, don't worry.

He is fine.

This is the most important thing.

His car is fine either.

This is not worth mentioning, except: it gives us a glimpse into the atmosphere in Central Florida today.

As Bain was sitting in the car waiting for rescue and other vehicles slowly drove past, people on the road caught a glimpse of him and shouted "Bain!".

Considering that he was traded from the Grizzlies to the Magic in mid-June and hadn't played for the Magic in a single game, that's pretty good.

In a telephone interview with The Athletic scheduled earlier this week, Bain recounted the experience.

He told this story only because he was asked if people in Orlando could already recognize him when he was in town.

"Honestly, I haven't been to the grocery store yet," Bain said.

"But today my car broke down on the side of the highway.

"There are quite a lot of people calling my name outside the window.

"So I think it's safe to say that the fans in Orlando are excited."

He's right.

The popularity around magic is now higher than at any time since Dwight Howard's heyday was more than a decade ago. The Magic's lineup already has the team's cornerstones Paul Bankairo and Franz Wagner, as well as defensive ace Jaylen Sages.

But it was Bain, who arrived in a bold trade on Father's Day, who proved to NBA and Magic fans that the team was going all out to try to compete for the championship in the Eastern Conference.

As a 27-year-old swingman and double-seater, Bain should be able to help the Magic solve his most obvious weakness: insufficient three-point shooting ability and poor on-field space.

Bain's career three-point shooting percentage is as high as 41%, and his ability to shoot after dribbling, catch-and-shoot and create independent shooting opportunities make him an ideal partner for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Bain is usually the No. 2 scoring choice for Morant, and even becomes No. 1 when Morant is out. And in Magic, he should be the No. 3 choice for Bankairo and Wagner.

Cavaliers and the Knicks will almost certainly start the new season as a favorite in the Eastern Conference.

But the competitive landscape in the East is relatively open, largely because Celtics' Jason Tatum and Pacers''Torres Halliburton are recovering from injuries to lacerate Achilles tendon.

In recent years, the Magic have one of the most physically confronting and strongest defenses in the NBA, but they are also one of the teams with the lowest offensive efficiency in the league.

Bain and newly signed free agent Tayes Jones should make them a more balanced team.

"I think the potential of this team is unlimited," Bain said.

"I mean, we're a new team, with some new members added.

"But we already have a really good roster and a lot of players can do a lot of different things.

"So from this perspective, it's very exciting."

"I just want to come here to be the adhesive, be the one who brings everyone together and fill some of the gaps that might exist on this team."

It's obvious that the Magic's management believes Bain will help.

Magic Basketball Operations President Jeff Weltman (previously known for his conservative team building style) gave away four first-round picks, a 2029 first-round pick swap rights protected by top two picks, swinger Kentavios Caldwell Pope and defender Cole Anthony, thus obtaining Bain.

Weltman took a calculated risk, betting that Bain can promote the Magic to one of the league's better regular season teams, reducing the value of the deals to the Grizzlies' first-round picks in 2028 and 2030, and avoid triggering draft pick swaps in 2029. After the deal, Bain immediately stated that he hopes to take the time to get to know Ben Keiro and his new teammates this offseason.

He fulfilled his promise.

Bain said Magic players who did not participate in the European Championship gathered in Las Vegas last week.

The entire team must know that the outside world has very high expectations.

Bankero, Wagner and Suggs were suffering from injuries last season. The three of them only played 6 games together, and their playing time totaled 97 minutes. They should all be healthy now.

Wagner Jr. and Tristan da Silva contributed to the German men's basketball team winning the European Championship.

Substitute center Goga Bitaze performed well for the Georgian men's basketball team in the European Championship.

6th man Moritz Wagner suffered a torn ACL in December and should return in the season.

In addition, the team also welcomed the joining of Bain and Jones.

Bain was used to high expectations when he was with the Grizzlies, which should help him prepare for the expectations he carries for the new team.

"I think it all starts with our efforts," Bain said.

"We must understand what we want to achieve and work tirelessly for it.

" There is no shortcut to this.

"We have to work very together and very hard.

"Even so, we still need some luck in health and other aspects. "

" But for this team we have, the end result will depend on how much we are invested. ” 

Author: Josh Robbins

Translator: GWayNe