The scene takes place in a hotel in Minneapolis, where the Magic face the Wolves the next night. Floridians have their eyes glued to the television in hopes that TNT will deliver the good news. This is the case: their teammate Paolo Banchero gets his first call-up to the All-Star Game.
What follows is a regular showering of the Orlando power forward and the usual hugs. This moment of collective celebration? “ I wouldn't have it any other way. It's huge to be able to experience this together. It's been like this since I've been here. Everyone is united. They adopted me as soon as I was drafted, like family from day one “, describes the 21-year-old.
Paolo Banchero adds, on this new milestone in his young career: “ I was super happy, I was hoping to hear my name, and once it was called, it was just joy and excitement. It had been a dream for a long time. I'm happy to have made it. Happy and proud. »
The Magic's 9th player
A logical first selection for the reigning rookie of the year who saw his production increase compared to his first year. With 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on average, he is none other than the best scorer, rebounder and passer of his team, which still occupies 8th place in the East.
He is thus rewarded as much for his individual as collective performances. “ We have a lot more success this year, and we will all continue to achieve what we aim for, all the goals we have, we can achieve them as long as we stick together and do what we do. it's best for the team. I think everyone will get what they deserve », displays the man who is only the 9th representative to the All-Star Game in Magic history.
He joins Shaquille O'Neal (1993-96), Penny Hardaway (1995-98), Tracy McGrady (2001-04), Grant Hill (2001, 2005), Dwight Howard (2007-12), Rashard Lewis (2009), Jameer Nelson (2009) and Nikola Vucevic (2019, 2021).
The first choice of the 2022 Draft recalls that this is “ a process. Last year was a step in this process, this year another step, it will be the same next year. Nothing happens overnight. You're not going to become champion just by hoping for it and saying you work hard. It's going to take years and years of construction. »
| Paolo Banchero | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | ENT | 72 | 34 | 42.7 | 29.8 | 73.8 | 1.2 | 5.7 | 6.9 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 20.0 |
| 2023-24 | ENT | 48 | 35 | 45.3 | 35.8 | 69.6 | 1.2 | 5.8 | 7.0 | 5.0 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 23.0 |
| Total | 120 | 34 | 43.8 | 32.3 | 72.1 | 1.2 | 5.8 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 21.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
