In a small sample size, Paolo Banchero dazzled with the Orlando Magic in the Las Vegas Summer League and showed why he was so highly touted entering the NBA draft.
Banchero averaged 20 points, six assists, five rebounds, 2.5 steals and one block in two games before the Magic shut him down. He finished his stay by producing 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks on July 9.
The No. 1 pick certainly offered plenty of hope for the Magic and projects to have a large role with the team this season. With plenty of opportunities to play, Banchero was listed by HoopsHype at No. 10 in the top power forward rankings for the 2022-23 season.
In those two (summer league) contests, Banchero showed every bit of skill and talent that made him the top pick in the 2022 draft, and maybe even more, averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2.5 steals and 1 blocks (albeit with 10 total turnovers and nine fouls), facing up on opponents, hitting tough fall-away jumpers and looking like an athletic specimen when attacking the basket. … The favorite to take home Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, we expect an exciting season out of the Duke Blue Devil who’ll be manning the 4-spot in Orlando.
Banchero projects to fill quite a few needs for the Magic, and he can work in a variety of ways. His exact role is to be determined but he can play multiple positions and will have no problem fitting in next to Wendell Carter Jr. in the frontcourt.
The arrival of Banchero in Orlando will bring added excitement and give the team yet another piece to build around. He has yet to step onto an NBA court but Banchero looks poised to become one of the best in the league at his position.
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