The Orlando Magic are among the NBA’s up-and-coming young teams. Led by 2022 No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero, the South Florida-based squad won 47 games last season, the most wins the franchise has had since 2010-11. Interestingly, when the Magic went 52-30 in 2010-11, their strengths were at the defensive end. With a young Dwight Howard entering his prime, Orlando routinely stifled opposing offenses.
Last season, the Magic also relied on their defensive mastery. Though Banchero and —to a slightly lesser extent —Franz Wagner are considered to be star-caliber scorers, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley’s coaching and rotations emphasized ball pressure. Unsung heroes like Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and Anthony Black made a dramatic difference for Orlando when they were on the court. However, Banchero and Wagner were usually game-changers at that end as well.
Magic’s Paolo Banchero Looks At Self 5 Years From Now
As the Magic continue to develop, it’s to their benefit to be a high-level defensive team that’s more recognized for having talented offensive players. This is one of the secrets behind the success of multiple title winners. Indeed, the Boston Celtics —the reigning NBA champions —were better defensively than offensively when they took down the Dallas Mavericks.
So, when Banchero looks at where he’ll be in five years, his dreams of becoming an NBA champion may come true. With internal improvement and meaningful roster additions, it becomes even more likely.
Paolo Banchero on where he thinks he’ll be in 5 years:
“NBA champ, hopefully MVP, and one of the faces of the league. Faces of basketball, of the new generation.”
(h/t @Bxnchero, @RTNBA) pic.twitter.com/vTIkK3DbXL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 21, 2024
As for whether he’ll be an MVP or be a face of the league?
Popular Banchero
Should the Magic look like a championship contender at any point, Banchero could earn MVP votes. To start, the 21-year-old is the face of the franchise. More than a superficial superlative, his status as the franchise star is a testament to his talent level. An all-around player with an advanced feel for the game and elite scoring potential, he’s currently the biggest key to Orlando’s future.
As evidenced by Celtics’ face of the franchise Jayson Tatum, this isn’t enough for him to win an MVP award. He’ll have to play at an MVP level when it matters most. The popular Wagner’s star trajectory could make him the Jaylen Brown to Banchero’s Tatum. Nonetheless, if the Magic look like a juggernaut, the award will be Banchero’s to lose.
With that being said, Banchero is well on his way to becoming one of the faces of the next generation. San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama, who entered the league with LeBron James-like hype, may literally be the biggest of them all. Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards are popular on a cultural level, like Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.
However, Banchero’s skill speaks for itself. So long as he continues to produce at a high level, he’ll be recognized as one of the marquee players. He hasn’t drawn in fans with hype or cultural appeal but sheer ability. As a result, he’s more similar to Dwyane Wade. The No. 5 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Wade wasn’t projected to be an MVP or seen as a cultural icon. Yet, he’s been so good —since Day 1 —that his greatness couldn’t be denied.
