In a current interview with ESPN, rookie Paolo Banchero was requested about what was his ultimate purpose as a Magic participant. He had no doubts in his thoughts as he stated he hopes to emulate star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who stayed with the Bucks since he was first drafted till he lastly introduced the NBA title to Milwaukee.
“A hundred percent. Orlando as a metropolis, I adore it. It’s sunny,” he started his reply sharing his love for town. “With the ability to carry the franchise, like, a championship is a No. 1 purpose for me and the staff.”
Nonetheless, the 20-year-old is obvious this isn’t a short-term goal, as he understands it’s a protracted course of to the highest. “Clearly, that takes years of failing and attempting once more – it’s not simply going to occur in a single day, it’s a five- or 10-year course of, no matter it’s,” he assured. “However I feel we’re studying to place the work in. Possibly get there slightly faster.”
The younger athlete, who’s the clear frontrunner for this marketing campaign’s Rookie of the 12 months award, shares how his aggressive mentality has stored him on the high of his recreation all through his life.
“You simply have to remain constant along with your work… That is what I am attempting to do.”
Paolo Banchero (@Pp_doesit) joins NBA TV to speak Kia Rookie of the 12 months race, constructing chemistry along with his @OrlandoMagic teammates and extra! pic.twitter.com/YocMfO3Mzj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 4, 2023
“That’s been a precedence for me my complete life. Each degree I’ve performed, I’ve wished to be actual aggressive. I come off as a mild-mannered man however in my head, I wish to win greater than something,” he defined about his formidable nature.
Nonetheless, one factor is faculty basketball, and one other is to carry his decided mindset to a staff that’s been within the decrease a part of the Japanese Convention’s standing for fairly a while now. “So coming right here, that was the most important factor,” he stated. “Us being backside of the league final yr. And even earlier than I acquired right here, you didn’t suppose a lot of the Magic since Dwight Howard. I wished to kill that narrative as quickly as I may.”
Banchero is already recieving excessive reward from different NBA star gamers
Ever for the reason that starting of the marketing campaign, Banchero has outshined all of his fellow first-year contenders, and proof of that is how Paolo has conquered consecutively the final three NBA Rookie of the Month awards since December, one thing solely Shaquille O’Neal achieved in Magic historical past.
Simply final week, Orlando’s energy foward scored 31 factors in opposition to the Hornets, additionally including 6 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal and a block that evening. Try Banchero’s highlights from that match vs. Charlotte:
This has caught the eye of stars from everywhere in the NBA. “It’s scary, it’s nonetheless so early in his profession and he’s already this good,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley stated concerning the younger star. “He’s going to maintain getting higher and higher. Off the courtroom, he’s only a cool dude. I feel he suits in with everyone completely.”
One other NBA nice who’s shocked over how good the 20-year-old is, is Milwaukee foward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s seen him from up shut 3 times already this season. On these three alternatives, Banchero dropped 20, 9 and 20 once more in opposition to the Bucks.
“I didn’t know he was 6-10, 250 kilos. He’s massive,” Giannis admitted. “I used to be 191 they usually stated 195 or 202, as a result of I used to be too skinny. They needed to lie, principally. That was one other John Hammond choose (Magic’s GM).”