Magic's Franz Wagner 'Super Impressed' With Paolo Banchero
ORLANDO - Paolo Banchero's impressive second season for the Orlando Magic hasn't been lost upon his teammates.
His teammate, Franz Wagner, spoke about Banchero's play and how it has impressed him on former NBA guard J.J. Redick's podcast J.J. Redick "The Old Man & The Three."
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
"He's super impressive," Wagner said. "I think Paolo creates so much attention every time he gets the ball. Everybody is looking at him. I think Paolo has really figured out how to make other guys better. It's not really about how to make this pass, [or] how to this shot, it seems like he gets all of that pretty quickly."
Redick was drafted by the Magic in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft and played in Orlando for the first seven of his 15 seasons.
Banchero has improved on key stats from his rookie season, as he has averaged 22.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game through 42 games this year. The second-year forward has scored 30 or more points in seven games and over 40 points twice. Banchero scored 30 or more points six times all of last season.
Along with his improvement on the court, Wagner lauded how Banchero has become more of a leader in his second season.
"I've been super impressed with his maturity and his leadership this year," Wagner said. "Being a more vocal leader than he was last year as a rookie and really setting the tone in most games with his focus, his confidence and his belief going into the game. It trickles down for the whole team."
Orlando (22-20) faces the Miami Heat (24-18) on Sunday at the Kia Center at 6 p.m. ET.
