Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has had a great rookie season thus far. So far in his rookie campaign, the former Duke Blue Devil is averaging 21.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and four assists per game while shooting 44.9% from the field.
He has led the Magic to a 13-21 record (13th in the Eastern Conference) and has had some signature games in his 27 games played this season. On Nov. 5, Banchero had 33 points and 15 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings and on Dec. 18, he had 31 points and two steals against the Boston Celtics. In fact, he had one of his better games this season (24 points and five assists) against Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 28.
Banchero has not looked like a typical rookie this season as he has looked like a veteran with his cool, calm demeanor. His primary matchup was against Durant (who had 45 points and and seven rebounds) and Banchero spoke on what the experience was like on the “Old Man and the Three” show:
“Playing against KD (Durant) was my welcome to the NBA moment. I guard him for most of that game and it was really just nothing you can do. Some guys get to the line a bunch or play with the refs and get calls and that’s how they get 14 points from the line. KD was straight business. He wasn’t saying nothing to the refs, he was getting to the line, but he had 45 so most of those were buckets.”
The Nets’ next game is Monday at the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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