The Orlando Magic didn’t do well in the standings last season, but they showed some promise with their young players.
Paolo Banchero ran away with Rookie of the Year honors after a remarkable first campaign in the league, and he’s expected to take a massive leap forward in his sophomore season.
Banchero committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, and he was spotted working out with Kevin Durant in a video shared by Swish Cultures (via Hoop Central).
Kevin Durant and Paolo Banchero working out. 🔥🔥
(via @swishcultures_)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 27, 2023
Banchero had an NBA-ready game since he committed to play at Duke, and while some thought Jabari Smith Jr. should be the best player in that class, Paolo’s first year in the league may have proved the Magic were right to choose him instead.
His playmaking skills are second-to-none for guys his size, and he’s proven to be an elite shot-maker from all three levels.
He’s only going to get better and more comfortable, and one could think of few people better to mentor him than Kevin Durant, as he’s also an oversized forward who can score from all over the court.
Also, having a pure playmaker like Anthony Black next to him next season should only help him get the ball in the spots he needs it to be more efficient, and the future seems quite bright for the Magic right now.
Banchero wants to take the league by storm, and he might take a massive leap next season with all the invaluable experience he’s going to get in the summer.
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