Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic’s cornerstone player, is focused on taking his team to the next level. Since being the No. 1 pick in 2022, he has already earned a Kia Rookie of the Year award, become an All-Star, and led the Magic to two playoff appearances. But for the talented forward, these achievements are just the beginning of a much bigger journey.
With a blend of size, skill, and a strong work ethic, Banchero is determined to transform the Magic into a true championship contender. His personal growth, combined with the team’s playoff experience and new additions, sets the stage for a promising season ahead. Banchero’s mission is clear: “I want to be the best,” he said. “I’m not there yet… But I plan to get there, to take this team there.”
🏀 Seattle’s Proud Son
Banchero’s drive is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Seattle, a city that has surprisingly become a hotbed for NBA talent. He credits the players who came before him for paving the way. “Growing up I remember seeing them often,” he recalled, mentioning stars like Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, and Brandon Roy. “Those guys would come back home to Seattle every summer… When you grow up as a kid, you say ‘Wow, these guys grew up in the same streets and gyms that I was in.’” This culture of giving back, with established players mentoring the next generation, created a strong basketball community. When asked to name his “Seattle Mount Rushmore,” Banchero honored Jamal Crawford as “the Godfather,” alongside Isaiah Thomas, Brandon Roy, and Jason Terry.
📈 Learning from Playoff Experience
The Magic have made the playoffs in the last two seasons, but both campaigns ended in first-round defeats—first to Cleveland in a tough seven-game series, and then to the Celtics. Banchero explained that these experiences were valuable learning opportunities. “We learned that it takes a certain level of detail, a certain level of togetherness, a higher level, to win in the playoffs,” he said. He noted that the team’s youth and inexperience showed at critical moments against veteran teams like Cleveland and Boston. With two years of postseason basketball under their belts, Banchero believes the Magic now better understand what it takes to win crucial games, especially on the road where the challenge is even greater.
🤝 Building a Stronger Team
To bolster their chances, the Magic have added sharpshooter Desmond Bane to improve their outside scoring. Banchero acknowledges that integrating a new, talented player takes time but is confident about the positive impact. “He’s going to be a huge part in what we do,” he stated. A key factor for Orlando’s success will be the chemistry between its core trio: Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, who only played six games together last season due to injuries. Rebuilding that on-court connection is a priority. Banchero also emphasized that the team’s identity starts on defense, with players like Jalen Suggs setting the tone. “That’s how we’re going to win games,” he affirmed.
⭐ Striving for Greatness
Banchero embraces the pressure of being the team’s leader. He feels he needs to be the best player on the floor most nights for the Magic to have a chance to win, but that doesn’t just mean being the top scorer. “Scoring 30 points, maybe scoring only 20 points but grabbing 15 rebounds and nine or 10 assists. Whatever it is my team needs me to do, I’m willing to do it.” This season, he is focused on making quicker decisions, improving his efficiency, and becoming a “defensive playmaker.” This motivation was strengthened by advice from two of his idols, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant, during his rookie year. They told him he had the potential to be an all-time great if he stayed hungry and dedicated. “Hearing that from those two was big for me,” Banchero shared.
