NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Year after year we see players get drafted in the NBA and the pressure and hype train start on day one. Some embrace it and some crash and burn while others take a bit to adjust to the pro game. This years number pick Paolo Banchero has shown through 6 games that what we have read and heard is FACT and he still has more to show us all. Of course, coming from a program like Duke where winning is the only thing this Orlando Magic 1-6 start is strange to him and not what the team wanted. Anyone who knows basketball had to look at this Magic roster and get a little giddy about its potential and the matchup nightmares it would create but, along with that the growing pains of youth and a competitive league. With each passing game, he sets the bar higher and if they can get things corrected on the defensive end Orlando could have some great stuff heading its way.
What I love about him first off is his confidence he plays the game like a 5-year vet and takes charge from the opening tip. At 6’10 his ability to go inside or step out to the three-point line and hit his shot is unicorn-like. The bright lights don’t affect him at all whatever the challenge he is up for it and yes mistakes will happen but they don’t overshadow his impact. Oh, and did I mention he is only 19 years old? Talking heads like Bill Simmons are already admitting they were wrong in their thoughts of him ahead of the draft while others are fighting for a spot on the Paolo bandwagon.
While we see most rookies struggle on the defensive side of the ball he has not with a defensive FG rating of 42.9% with an ability to guard all 5 positions. I fully expect him to quickly become a top 2-way player. While other rooks are exposed and seen as BBQ chicken on this side of the ball that’s not the case with him. He also has a very high basketball IQ in terms of knowing when and where to pick his spots. It is truly amazing to see him hit you with the hesi at one moment and then bully people in the post the next. By no means is he the next Steph Curry but 32% 3-point shooting makes people respect the shot and then he can just blow by you to the rack.
So far this season the Magic have had a ton of backcourt injuries forcing this new Monstar lineup we have seen with all 6’9 or more starting 5. Two home games in the first 7 and, with these losses 4 were by 10 points or less. Unlucky shots or costly turnovers happened and are part of a young team growing up. Could the win against the Hornets have been a preview of the future where it’s all just positionless? The Magic’s starting group of Terrence Ross-Franz Wagner-Paolo Banchero-Bol Bol-Wendell Carter posted a plus-minus of +18, scoring 39 points in 15 minutes. The group had a 130.0 offensive rating and 67.7 defensive rating to set the tone in the Magic’s best defensive game of the season (they gave up a season-best 93.0 points per 100 possessions).
With players returning to the lineup and the rotations starting to pan out a little run would be nice to see. One thing we can say is that not since the days of Shaq and Penny has Orlando had a box-office talent the like of Paolo. Watching him and this team develop is going to be a fun ride and one that we all should enjoy.
