Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero Reveals 'Ultimate Validation'

Paolo Banchero has been named to the All-Star team, but the Orlando Magic forward still doesn't feel completely validated.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 3, 2024

Magic All-Star Paolo Banchero Reveals 'Ultimate Validation' /

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is celebrating after being named to the All-Star team for the first time in his brief NBA career.

Despite being only 21 years old, Banchero has already accomplished a lot in his career. He was the No. 1 overall pick in his draft class, won Rookie of the Year, and is now an All-Star ... but Banchero is still hungry for more.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Paolo Banchero Bucks — Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

“No. 1 pick, alright I was the best player in the draft, best rookie," Banchero said on The Old Man and the Three Podcast. "Now I’m trying to get best in the world, now that’s where it’s at. The ultimate validation for me would be a championship.”

While a championship isn't likely for Banchero this season, he's certainly on the trajectory for the Magic to be contending very soon. But by being named to the All-Star team, Banchero is checking off another goal on his NBA bucket list.

“A lot of my work since I got drafted was to be an All-Star in Year Two," Banchero said on the podcast.

'Dream Come True!' Banchero Eyes First All-Star Bid

The work has paid off so far, but Banchero is far from where he wants to be. He understands that time is needed, but so is the hard work, which he's put in every day since being drafted by Orlando in hopes of winning the franchise its first championship.

Banchero and the Magic are back in action tomorrow against the Detroit Pistons. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.

Published Feb 3, 2024

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.