The Orlando Magic sure are glad to have Paolo Banchero back.
Though fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, they rank 27th in offensive rating (108.7) and have the league’s worst scoring average (104.8 points per game). Back in October, before he was sidelined by a relatively rare injury, they weren’t destroying their opponents with their firepower. However, they ranked 16th in offensive rating (111.8) and 18th in points per game (112.2), as Banchero got off to a blistering hot start.
Paolo Banchero’s Rousing Return From Rare Injury Spoiled
Those numbers are similar to what they produced against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night as he made his return. With Banchero tallying 34 points in 27 minutes, the Magic scored 109 total points and recorded an offensive rating of 110.4. Had they executed at the free-throw line down the stretch, they may have walked away with a victory.
all-star him
34 PTS
7 REB
3 AST
3 STL
11-21 FG
5-8 3P
27 MIN⭐️ » https://t.co/XwyWoKYJyZ pic.twitter.com/iBlvV3yPuc
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 11, 2025
Instead, they have to ‘settle’ for their No. 1 pick’s rousing performance. He operated from the perimeter and off-the-dribble far more than out of the post. Nonetheless, he was cool and confident throughout the night. Many of his attempts looked like he was simply completing a shooting drill.
Of course, it wasn’t all Banchero. Orlando also got solid games from players like Tristan Da Silva and Anthony Black, who are helping them overcome injuries to Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, respectively. Yet, it was largely due to Banchero’s play that the Bucks needed a Herculean effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo and a vintage night from Damian Lillard to bring them down.
Another All-Star Season?
Amazingly, Banchero ranked fourth in All-Star votes among Eastern Conference frontcourt players in the last official returns.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to lead in the NBA’s second 2024-25 All-Star fan voting: pic.twitter.com/vA0VXIWoUC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2025
It’s hard to imagine he didn’t see quite a few more votes heading his way after Friday though. He’s only played six games this season. Nonetheless, he’s one of the most popular players in the league, especially among the younger generation. In fact, he’s considered one of the candidates to be a face of the NBA as they complete their changing of the guard.
Like San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, he’s as talented as he is competitive. However, he’s also one of the American-born players who endear themselves to his countrymen. He shares that reality with rising stars like Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant.
With that being said, basketball is a globalized sport and for good reason. Nonetheless, the NBA is a North American league and the core of its fan and talent base is domestic. This may be one reason why Wembanyama can be praised as a potential GOAT without truly overshadowing his young peers.
