Las Vegas, NV- The Orlando Magic have decided to shut down Paolo Banchero for the remainder of the NBA Summer League. In Banchero’s two games, he averaged 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds while leading Orlando to an undefeated record.
Who’s Number One?
Who was going to be selected with the Magic’s first overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft was a large topic in the NBA leading up to the event. In most cases, the first overall pick is a consensus for months in advance.
However, the Magic had what appeared to be three very close options, choosing between the University of Auburn’s forward Jabari Smith, Gonzaga freshman sensation Chet Holmgren, and Duke University’s Paolo Banchero.
When it came time to make the decision, Orlando chose Banchero, making him the fifth first overall pick to come from Duke University.
A Freshman Phenom
The selection to take Banchero was a controversial one, despite the fact that the 6’10 250 pounds 19-year-old had an excellent college career to back up this decision.
Banchero was sensational in his only season as a Blue Devil averaging 17.2 points, three assists, and seven rebounds while helping lead Duke to the Final Four.
Banchero’s talents during the regular season were recognized as he was named Rookie of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference while also being named a member of the first team all-conference as well.
The Struggles of Being First
While being the first overall pick in the NBA Draft is a very special honor, it is not made for everyone. Previous players have spoken about the extreme pressure that it means to be the first player selected in the draft.
Higher expectations can be placed on the first selected player, such as that they will be the best player in their class. Or that they will have an immediate impact on the NBA world. This is a lot of pressure to put on a teenager such as Banchero.
However, if the saying pressure makes diamonds is true, Banchero is proof of that. In his first summer league appearance, all eyes were on Banchero. The expectations rose even higher when it was revealed that he would be playing against Smith, another player who was considered for the selection. Banchero spoke about the significance of the matchup in a pregame interview.
Silencing the Doubts
From the start of the tip-off to the final buzzer, Banchero proved that he deserved to be selected with the first pick. Banchero went to work early, displaying his offensive ability and his quickness on the defensive end.
Overall, it was a great showing for Banchero as he finished with 17 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
We’ve Seen Enough
In the following game, Banchero and Orlando played the Sacramento Kings. Yet again, Banchero was matched up against a fellow lottery pick this time it was the fourth selection in the draft Keegan Murray.
Both players put on a show, but Banchero and Orlando came away with the victory in double overtime. Largely in part to Banchero’s game-saving block.
Banchero finished with 23 points, six assists, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. His next matchup was set to be against the second pick in the draft, Holmgren, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, Banchero never took the floor as the Magic organization had decided that they’d seen enough from their young star.
Time Not Wasted
Although Banchero’s time in the summer league was short-lived, according to him it was a time he won’t forget.
“I learned a lot in the summer league. Whether it was getting advice from veterans…or watching the film with the Coach after the games. I’ve learned a lot during this experience.”
Without Banchero, the Magic suffered their first loss today, falling to the Thunder 94-91. However, Magic fans have a lot to look forward to in the future with Banchero being a part of the organization.
