Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero played just two games in the Las Vegas Summer League but still managed to impress those watching in such a small sample size.
That includes four-time NBA champion Draymond Green.
Banchero averaged 20 points, six assists, five rebounds, 2.5 steals and one blocked before the Magic shut him down. He finished off his stay by producing 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks on July 9.
The case can be made that Banchero was the top rookie in action in summer league. He showed everyone what made him the top pick and made a number of plays on both ends of the court, from his scoring to making plays for his teammates.
Green, speaking Thursday on his podcast, explained what stood out to him about Banchero and why he has the potential to eventually become a star in the NBA.
Paolo Banchero, I think, is one of them ones and the reason I think Paolo is one of them guys is because of the things that he did on the basketball court that were not scoring. You get out here in summer league, guys score the basketball, it is going to happen. … Paolo’s game was a little bit different. He did all of the things with the basketball and made the plays but the plays that he made that did not involve him having the basketball is why I think Paolo is going to be one of them guys. Him getting on teammates coming in as a rookie. The winning plays that he was making down the stretch.
I hope that organization is ready for that player because that player is a winner. That player, he cares. I mean, he was out there playing them summer league games like he was playing in the NBA Finals with that type of intensity. That is a winner right before your eyes.
Banchero, who is the fourth No. 1 pick in franchise history, has the potential to change the direction of the Magic and put them back on the map. The other three No. 1 picks — Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Webber (who was traded for Penny Hardaway) and Dwight Howard — each made it to the NBA Finals and Banchero looks to follow in their footsteps.
The 19-year-old dazzled on the court in just two games and looks to be in store for a tremendous rookie campaign. He offered a taste of what he can bring to the next level and fans are certainly eager to see him take the court next season.
Banchero wanted to prove himself as the No. 1 pick entering summer league, and did just that. He will now have the duration of the summer to prepare for the season as he looks to transition to the NBA and lead the Magic on a nightly basis.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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