“If you get on cruise control and let everything start festering, it’s gonna find a way to get out somehow…everybody makes mistakes, I made one and I apologized for it and moved on, and I’m better for it now.” Desmond Bane
In one of the most authentic and real conversations we've had on The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder sit with Orlando Magic star Desmond Bane — a player whose journey is as powerful as his jump shot and deep roots that have grounded him since day one. With humility at his core in all he does, Bane's talents have often been overshadowed by his quiet demeanor but this off season his value was at the forefront, when Orlando traded for the young star solidifying his place as one of the top players in the NBA.
Bane opens up about the early adversity that fueled his rise, the overlooked beginnings that pushed him to grind harder than the next guy, and the deep bond he built with Ja Morant in Memphis — a brotherhood formed through shared battles, growth, and the pressures of leading a young franchise.
Now, after a blockbuster trade to Orlando, Bane talks candidly about embracing a new chapter and the responsibility of being a cornerstone for a young Magic squad. He opens up on how it took a little while trying to find his place in a new arena and gives context to the uncharacteristic game ejection early on, and shares what one thing clicked that has fueled his explosive run, including his back-to-back 37-point performances that set the tone for what’s becoming a breakout year in his new uniform and has his team 4-0 in the NBA Cup.
Raised by his grandparents in the tight-knit community of Richmond, Indiana, Bane reflects on how small-town values, discipline, and love shaped the competitor and man he is today. It wasn't an easy path and the young star reveals his personal anxiety battles and how he redefined his path. He talks about the pain of loss and how his wife and kids helped him redefine purpose after grieving from so much change.
And in a rare pivotal moment on the show, Desmond flips the conversation to Ryan, Channing and Fred, asking them how life is for them and how they have handled certain changes....truly a powerful part of the episode.
Authentic, honest, and inspiring, this conversation captures Desmond Bane at a pivotal moment — reflecting on where he came from, honoring the people who raised him, and stepping boldly into the player he’s proving he can be. Pivot Family, please like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we love hearing from you!
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