Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has earned plenty of respect from players around the NBA, and many believe he is the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year award.
That, of course, includes his teammates.
Banchero continued his strong season on Tuesday by being named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December. He led all first-year players in scoring and minutes during the month, averaging 19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals.
The No. 1 pick was grateful to win the award, but he thought he could have played even better. Winning the award, his first of the season, was not a surprise to teammate Cole Anthony, though.
“I see how he plays every day. He deserves that joint,” Anthony said. “I fully expect him to win Rookie of the Year, too. Obviously, I’m happy for him but that kid is awesome. He deserves it but as I said, I’m not surprised.”
Said Jonathan Issac:
He deserves (Rookie of the Month) just with what he has been able to do early on. I saw all of those things about comparisons with LeBron (James) and those guys who came into the league and were able to have their way and he has done just that. He is just going to continue to keep growing and growing but what he has already established in himself in this league is going to be great.
Banchero is averaging a team-high 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and four assists on 43.6% shooting from the field. He leads the rookie class in overall scoring and 20-point games (22), and is one of two first-year players with multiple 30-point games.
The 20-year-old is the overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year at minus-700, according to BetMGM. Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is second at plus-500 and Jaden Ivey of Detroit is third at plus-2200.
Banchero has largely played with poise and a maturity that has extended well beyond his years. He has drawn praise throughout the season from LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Draymond Green and others, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
“Our group is so excited for him,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “I’m so excited for him. You talk about a kid that, even though he was saying I didn’t play a great month, it still recognizes what he has helped this team do.”
[lawrence-related id=83376,83233,83046]
[mm-video type=video id=01gmv9shqxb1b559ezdd playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gmv9shqxb1b559ezdd/01gmv9shqxb1b559ezdd-5c0d8098e5a9cc6ed859678b515f21f3.jpg]
[listicle id=83249]