All eyes have been on Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic since he was named the number-one pick in last summer’s NBA draft.
From the very beginning, there were many people who said that Banchero could not only be Rookie of the Year but perhaps one of the best young players in the league for seasons to come.
Of course, other people thought that he was being hyped up too much and that he’d be good but not great.
Paolo Banchero this season:
27 PTS, 9 REB, 61% FG
20 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST
23 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
21 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST
29 PTS, 8 REB, 52% FG
21 PTS, 12 REB, 57% FG
18 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
15 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST
22 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST
33 PTS, 16 REB, 53% FG
30 PTS, 6 REB, 50% FG pic.twitter.com/XZcgBM8Rtl— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 8, 2022
The season is young and things can change but, right now, Banchero is definitely very great.
When you look at the start of his season, Banchero’s numbers are astonishing.
27 points and 9 rebounds, 33 points and 16 rebounds, and 29 points and 8 rebounds – these are just some of his totals.
He’s also been shooting 61% from the field at times and has been over 50% for many games.
The Magic are still one of the worst teams in the league and they won’t be playoff contenders for some time but no one can argue with how great Banchero has been straight out of the gate.
Banchero Busting Out
Right now, Banchero is far and away the favorite to win this year’s ROY.
He is giving everyone a reason to watch the Magic, even with their lacking 2-9 record.
He is leading the team with an average of 23.5 points per game and has been explosive and just downright fun to witness.
However, the team might have to adjust to a life without him for a little while.
He is currently listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game because of an ankle sprain.
There is a slew of injuries plaguing the young team right now so it’ll be rough for them to lose Banchero too.
The team wants to have him on the floor as much as possible and you can’t blame them.
NEXT: Magic Star Gave Fans The First Great Dunk Of The Year