Among the most anticipated players of the coming season, there is undoubtedly Paolo Banchero. Rookie of the year in 2023, All-Star in 2024, the interior of Orlando symbolizes the progress – and the ambitions – of his team in recent years. Logically, we want more, and franchise too, in all areas.
“I don’t think there is an area of the game where we can say that this is where it needs to take a step forward”, ad Jeff Weltmanthe president of the Magic. “It’s a continuous progression, on and off the floor. He truly understands how to use his qualities to exploit his game, to make his teammates better. »
The manager then specifies that he thinks that the player has his own areas of progression, which the latter confirms by emphasizing the physical dimension. The playoffs and this first round lost to the Cavaliers opened his eyes.
“I realized in the playoffs that you had to be in perfect physical shape to go far. After Game 7, I was totally exhausted,” he says. “In my head, I told myself that Cleveland was going to play Boston two days later and wondered how I would have managed to go back for another series, or even more. I realized I needed to get in better shape. I spent the summer working on this, I worked on my body three to four days a week. »
Speak when necessary
Another point on which Paolo Banchero insists: communication. “When I was at Duke, when I was 18, Mike Krzyzewski was constantly on my back to talk because I was the best player on the team,” he remembers. “I had to speak, I couldn’t stay silent. I can see the game clearly so if I don’t speak, it’s not doing anyone any favors. »
Now that he has All-Star status, that he is the leader of Orlando, he must continue in this direction and not hesitate to speak up. Which he didn't do naturally at the start in the NBA.
“The first year, we don't say much because we're not sure we're doing things right. The second season, I think I did better, but it was still inconsistent,” compares the Florida interior. “This year I want to be a very consistent voice for the team and the group. When I see something, I simply tell everyone, players and coaches alike. This prevents problems from continuing and returning. By being a more regular leader, a more present voice, we will turn a corner. »
| 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 | 80 | 35 | 45.5 | 33.9 | 72.5 | 1.0 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 5.4 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 22.6 |
| Total | 152 | 34 | 44.2 | 32.1 | 73.1 | 1.1 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 21.3 | |
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.
