The Magic Insider

NBA Rookie Ladder: Magic Forward Paolo Banchero Climbing Up?

Paolo Banchero is averaging 22.7 points per game, the most among any rookie. Can the Orlando Magic forward claim the top spot in this week's NBA Rookie Ladder?

Jeremy Brener

NBA Rookie Ladder: Magic Forward Paolo Banchero Climbing Up?
NBA Rookie Ladder: Magic Forward Paolo Banchero Climbing Up? /

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero is back in the swing of things.

After missing seven games with a sprained ankle, Banchero is back on the floor for the Magic and the team definitely needs him.

As the team's leading scorer averaging 22.7 points per game, the Magic sorely missed Banchero in his absence. He's made his presence known in his return, scoring at least 18 points in each of his first four games back.

His efforts have him rising from third to second in the latest NBA Rookie Ladder.

"Resuming his climb toward the top of the Ladder after missing seven consecutive games, Banchero came back strong from the left ankle sprain," NBA.com writes. "Still, his production in Orlando’s three latest losses showed a bit of rust compared to his pre-injury work. He continues to have the respect of the referees like no other rookie, shooting 27 free throws since his return and ranking ninth in the NBA overall with 8.4 attempts per game."

Indiana Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin, whose building a strong case to be the Sixth Man of the Year, is the only player ahead of Banchero. But if Banchero continues along this trajectory, he could reclaim that top spot very soon.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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