NBA Rookie Rankings: Where's Magic Top Pick Paolo Banchero?

Paolo Banchero has missed the past four games for the Orlando Magic. Has that cost him his top spot on the NBA Rookie Ladder?

Jeremy Brener | Nov 17, 2022

NBA Rookie Rankings: Where's Magic Top Pick Paolo Banchero? /

ORLANDO - Paolo Banchero is working to get back on the court as he recovers from his ankle sprain. He's been out for just over a week with the injury and is listed as day-to-day.

The Magic has struggled offensively in Banchero's absence. His 23.5 points per game is sorely missed in Orlando, a mark that led all rookies.

But Banchero's time off the court has dropped him to No. 3 in a ranking of the NBA's rookies behind Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin (No. 6 pick) and Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (No. 5 pick).

"Banchero drops only due to inactivity," NBA.com writes. "He missed Orlando’s past three games with a left ankle sprain. And, after sitting out practice Tuesday, was questionable for the Magic’s home tussle with the Timberwolves’ twin towers Wednesday night. “Obviously he is not happy,” coach Jamahl Mosley told reporters. Next up for Orlando and its No. 1 pick, if able: the Bulls in Chicago on Friday and then a two-game set in Indianapolis against Ladder rival Mathurin."

Banchero is one of a handful of players dealing with injuries for the Magic, joining Cole Anthony (oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (plantar fascia) among others on the sidelines.

Banchero and the Magic look to bounce back from the current losing streak on the road Friday against the Chicago Bulls. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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Published Nov 17, 2022

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.