The NBA offseason offers fans several stories and narratives to look forward to. Whether it be blockbuster trades or impressive off-court gimmicks, it has thoroughly entertained the NBA world. However, a recent video of a 20-year-old NBA sensation working out with Kevin Durant had fans ecstatic. The young player stunned fans, matching the Slim Reaper step for step in the video. However, amid the buzz of his impressive workout, his team made a major political move.
The United States is currently experiencing high political drama. The 2024 Presidential Elections are upon the nation soon. Given the current state of affairs in the nation, any political move by major organizations can majorly affect their impression on the public. While the 20-year-old NBA sensation stirred up a phenomenal buzz with his workout, his franchise is making a notable political move receiving critical responses.
20 YO NBA Star puts the world on notice with his workout with Kevin Durant
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Kevin Durant is one of the most gifted athletes in the NBA. The 34-year-old has showcased his outstanding shot-making skill frequently over the years, leaving the fans amazed. Despite making it look natural on the court, the Phoenix Suns forward put in hours of work on his game. The vigorous training routine of a former MVP can make the best of players break a sweat.
However, it did not seem too difficult for the 2023 Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero.
Kevin Durant & Paolo Banchero working with Trainer Adam Harrington & @MikeMiller_13 in the mid post and 3 with counters, balance & ball placement @NBA 🔥 @KDTrey5 @Pp_doesit @JustMack31 pic.twitter.com/c7KEKE3Jrf
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) July 27, 2023
Paolo Banchero joined the 14-time All-Star in an intense workout recently. The two NBA stars shot threes with counters, balance, and ball placement. They also made multiple combinations of mid-range jumpers in the extremely challenging workout. Banchero surprisingly matched Durant step-for-step, which had fans in awe of the 6’10 forward.
Several fans remarked on his phenomenal improvement as a scorer, hailing Banchero as a superstar in the making. However, his team, the Orlando Magic recently stole the spotlight. They made a major donation to a political campaign involving the 2024 Presidential Candidate, Ron DeSantis.
The Magic makes a major donation to a political agenda
The Orlando Magic made a major political move that shifted the focus away from Banchero’s brilliance. While their No.1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft showed terrific improvement in shot-making, the franchise made a questionable political move, stealing the spotlight. The franchise donated a whopping $50,000 to the Super Pac supporting the presidential bid of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
According to Federal Election Commission records, the Never Back Down Super Pac received the donation made by the Magic on 26 June. Further results also show that the team made other donations to political causes in the past years as well.
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And speaking of donations, a Magic spokesperson said, “This gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. [It] was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida“.
Their actions angered several fans online. Some slammed the franchise for supporting DeSantis, who has had culture wars announcing plans to block DEI programs in state colleges. But this isn’t the only controversial decision. Other legislation includes targeting minority and marginalized groups, as well as LGBTQ+ communities. The Magic’s claim of supporting “diversity, equity, and inclusion, all year long did not strengthen their case.
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Their decision to donate to Ron DeSantis’ Super Pac also elicited a response from the National Basketball Players Association as well. While their 20-year-old sensation has made a name for himself among fans, the Magic have put themselves under scrutiny. It would be interesting to see if their actions will have more severe consequences.
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