Magic Mainspring reveals NBA dream

After being selected first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was almost unanimously named rookie of the year.

The very next season, Banchero was selected to the All-Star selection for the first time and achieved similar numbers to 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson. There was never any doubt about his star potential. Still, few expected him to play so well so early.

Bancher may not have seen this coming himself.

“After I was drafted, my only thought was to be the best rookie,” he admits in an interview with Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. “I was pretty nervous going into my sophomore year. [because] I was back together with everyone else and part of the field.”

Now it’s his “mission to be the best in the league.”

Paolo Banchero reveals NBA dream

It was at this point that Banchero's All-Star potential was recognized. He is now considered an All-NBA caliber player, especially since his playoff debut. But even that isn't enough for the Seattle native.

“MVP is the award you dream of,” Banchero said.

“I don’t think it’s unrealistic for me to get there at some point,” he continues. “I try to be the complete player. I'm not there yet. But that’s my vision for myself: A guy who doesn’t have any weaknesses on either side of the floor and who can go out there and do anything.”

Banchero is one of 32 players who averaged at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game during the 2023-24 season. Among those players, he is one of 23 who average at least 1.5 steals and blocks per game combined. Banchero is a three-level scorer with plenty of poise and advanced decision-making. His attack was the most impressive part of his game. However, his work on the glass and defensively has not gone unnoticed, as his physical profile allows him to make an impact in other areas as well.

Buildings around Banchero

“There are a lot of young talents who are quickly emerging,” says Banchero. “There are some of them where the guard changes.”

“You look at Anthony [Edwards]. The team he has around him is one of the best in the NBA. That’s motivation for me.”

Explaining how this change came about, the 21-year-old understands that “younger players are starting to form teams built around them and they are able to take the lead.”

Still, the key to achieving Banchero's dreams lies largely in the team that surrounds him.

Banchero's regular season numbers must be similar to those of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. In seven games, he averaged 27.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 40.0 percent from 3 rebounds. This will also go a long way in helping him win MVP as this is a top notch level of production.

Still, there is usually a limit to how many wins players can achieve without a strong supporting cast. Even the big ones needed help most of the time. In fact, the “superteam” or “Big 3” era was all about stars working together on the road to the NBA championship. However, given the importance of winning in an MVP race, the Magic need to dominate as a team. It can't just be Banchero.

After a 47-35 record last season, Orlando is on the right track and is using its lottery picks to build a solid core.

The 2021 No. 8 pick, Franz Wagner, has star potential. Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac and Anthony Black – all taken in the first six picks – are game-changing for them on defense. Cole Anthony can be one of the better sixth guys for a long time.

Magical offseason goals

With $65.5 million in maximum practical cap space this offseason, they can now add a veteran star.

To that end, they have been linked to wingers Paul George and Klay Thompson, who have a combined 14 All-Star selections. If they can specifically attract George, it will go a long way towards their future success. Giving them a team with at least 50 wins will achieve both their individual and team goals.