Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is a first-time All-Star this season, though at least one of his peers believes the reigning Rookie of the Year is underrated: Victor Wembanyama.
The top pick of the San Antonio Spurs gave Banchero praise on Friday after competing in the Rising Stars game at NBA All-Star Weekend. Though the two players didn’t face each other in the exhibition, they have already played twice in the regular season.
The Magic took both meetings against the Spurs; Banchero played a key role in each victory. Wembanyama was asked about Banchero and was happy to talk about the No. 1 pick in 2022.
I’m surprised nobody asked me (about him) before. I’m kind of happy someone finally did because I think he is one of the most underrated players and No. 1 picks in the past years. I don’t even understand why. But he is someone that I think has a bright future.
Banchero became the ninth Magic player to be named an All-Star. He joined Shaquille O’Neal as the only two players in franchise history to be named Rookie of the Year and then an All-Star in the following season. He is the youngest All-Star and one of four first-time selections this year.
He is averaging a career-high 23 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals on 36.5% shooting from 3-point range. He is 21st in the league in scoring and has produced nine 30-point games, the most by a Magic player since Nikola Vucevic (9) in the 2020-21 season.
Banchero had the opportunity to team up with Wembanyama on Saturday in the Skills Challenge in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a bit surprised to learn that Wembanyama believes he is underrated, though doesn’t necessarily concern himself too much with that premise.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t (believe I was underrated), but it is what it is,” Banchero said. “I still went No. 1, Rookie of the Year, so I can’t complain too much. As a competitor and player, you do feel slighted in a way sometimes, but I don’t let it get to my head too much. I try to just go out there and put on a show every night.”
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