Before starting the third preseason game with the Magic, Paolo Banchero still posted timid statistics of 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds on average. For two games, the interior has clearly increased in power with 18 points and 7 rebounds per game.
His last outing in the Magic victory against the Grizzlies, with 17 points at 6/9 in shooting and 9 rebounds, proves it.
“We said it from the start: these young people will grow and progress”explains Jamahl Mosley at RookieWire. “He is improving game after game and getting stronger and stronger. The game slowed down for him. He reads situations better. »
The former Duke goes in the direction of his coach: there was a click after the second game.
“I am more and more comfortable”, he confirms. “The first two matches served me to observe, to understand how it was playing. After the game against San Antonio, I said to myself that it was good, I was in it. I try to play with freedom, to play my game.”
To top it off, the Magic had a good preseason with three wins in four games. For his part, Paolo Banchero believes that it is the work that currently pays.
“It’s my first year in the league, so I’m trying to learn as much as possible in order to be ready,” he declares at The Athletic. “Especially in pre-season, to be better prepared for serious things in a few days. I work like crazy, sometimes too much, but I’m made like that. I’m going to have a lot of chances and I have to make sure the defenses can’t rest when they’re dealing with me. It is the most important. »
