The Magic finally have another award winner, and Paolo Banchero can relax. This one belongs to the large green dragon.
STUFF the Magic Dragon was named the 2026 NBA Mascot of the Year at the annual NBA Mascot Conference, an event that raises considerably more questions than it answers.
Fellow NBA mascots selected the winner, meaning there was no media bias, questionable analytics or anonymous executive voting involved. Just professionals recognizing greatness.
This is STUFF’s third victory. He also won in 2016 and 2017, becoming the first mascot in NBA history to capture the award in consecutive years. So, yes, we are officially entering dynasty territory.
STUFF has entertained Orlando fans since 1989 with high-flying dunks, on-court chaos and the occasional unsuccessful marriage proposal to Kate Upton. Even the great ones miss a shot.
He also collected the league’s Digital Content Award and Video of the Year Award for the 2025-26 season. At 38 seasons, STUFF apparently remains very much in his prime.
The Magic should probably begin extension talks before this gets complicated. A three-time award winner with elite leaping ability, strong community ties and no load-management concerns will attract interest.
Championship-caliber dragons don’t grow on trees. They hatch.
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