Next up in our ongoing top 25 rankings is Paolo Banchero. The young Orlando Magic forward has exceeded all expectations and led his team to a surprising playoff appearance last year. At 21 with an incredibly polished skill set and elite shot creation abilities, Paolo checks all the boxes of a future superstar. Let’s dive into Banchero’s game and spot among the NBA’s best.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 18 – Paolo Banchero
A Budding Superstar
Banchero is a rising superstar who doesn’t get nearly enough praise. His ability to make difficult shots and carry an offense while being surrounded by negative spacing is truly remarkable. Paolo is simply one of the most skilled shot-creators in the league. Additionally, Paolo has an impressive all-around game. The 6-foot-10 forward is a high-level rebounder, playmaker, and defender.
While some may criticize some of Paolo’s efficiency and advanced stats it’s important to understand his all-around impact as well as what he did with such little help. Furthermore, Paolo still posted an impressive 5.3 win shares including 4.0 defensive win shares. This past season highlighted that the 2022 No. 1 overall pick is on a true superstar trajectory. In just two seasons Paolo has transformed the Magic into a competitive squad. Paolo’s elite scoring and well-rounded skill set could allow him to be a legit MVP candidate one day.
Season Recap
In the 2023-24 season, Paolo led the Magic to a surprising playoff appearance and fifth-seed finish. Orlando has plenty of young talent however, they notably ranked dead-last in three-pointers made and certainly outperformed expectations. Alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, Paolo was one of three players to lead their team in points, rebounds, and assists. Paolo posted averages of 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 45.5/33.9/725 shooting splits. Orlando’s success stemmed from length and defense as they notably posted the third-best defensive rating.
However, Paolo was undoubtedly the team’s main source of shot creation and the catalyst of their success. This ability was on display in the playoffs when Paolo averaged 27.0 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 45.6/40.0/75.5 shooting splits. This included a 38-point performance in Game 7 and 35 point performance in Game 5. Notably, in Game 7 Banchero’s co-star Franz Wagner disappeared shooting 1-15 from the field. While the Magic ultimately lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers Paolo’s efforts were nothing short of amazing. Overall Paolo’s shot creation and scoring abilities with subpar shooting prove his incredible value.
21yo Paolo Banchero’s playoff shotmaking was wild…
Just watch these buckets! Hopeful that in the future he’ll consistently generate higher quality looks with his size & ball-handling, but he displayed a level of shotmaking & counters that few in history have achieved—impressive pic.twitter.com/DEdV9li6GW
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 14, 2024
Season Outlook
During the offseason, Orlando upgraded their shooting by signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and drafting Tristan Da Silva. As a result of improved spacing and entering his third season, it’s fair to expect another big jump from Paolo. Similarly, the Magic could jump up the standings and compete for a top-three seed. The Magic haven’t had an offense ranked above 20th since the 2011-12 season however, their upgraded roster gives them a solid chance of breaking this trend.
While Orlando didn’t land any stars these shooting upgrades will be meaningful. Increased spacing will open up the game in several ways for Paolo who was already thriving with a lack of spacing. Improved spacing will not only open up more opportunities for Paolo as a scorer but also as a playmaker. With Orlando’s offseason upgrades and natural progression from Paolo, he is poised to continue rising up this list.
The Last Word
While part of this list factors in a player’s upside 18 feels like a reasonable spot for Paolo regardless. With a player as talented and on the trajectory of Banchero 18 is a safe ranking. At this time next it will likely seem too low. Many people might not rank Paolo this high. Nevertheless, his elite creation and ability to carry a team give him a clear case. With an improved roster and Paolo’s age, it feels like a certainty that he’ll be able to climb the list going forward.
