NBA Radio Host Hopes Paolo Banchero's 'Historically Good' Start isn't Going Unnoticed

Friday, SIriusXM NBA radio host Justine Termine and 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson spoke about the start to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero's career.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. / Erik Williams-Imagn Images

For better or worse, portions of the NBA always have their focus geared on the next big thing.

One of the best examples of such is the NBA draft. Consider Victor Wembanyama – a long-known commodity who came into the league with sky-high expectations after catching just small glimpses of what he could be in the NBA. Incoming Duke freshman Cooper Flagg has been lobbied as the No. 1 pick in this upcoming 2025 draft for multiple years now.

It also means, however, that talent already in the league can possibly be looked over. Count Justine Termine, a host for SiriusXM NBA Radio, as one of those who are against that happening – particularly as it relates to Orlando Magic 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick Paolo Banchero.

"You're talking about number one overall picks, Banchero is turning out to be a really good number one overall pick himself," Termine said on Friday's episode of NBA Today with cohost Eddie Johnson, "and I hope that's not going under the radar."

Termine then went on to list the players in NBA history who, before their age 22 season, have played at least two seasons and averaged at least 21 points, six rebounds and four assists a game. Four names make that list: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Luka Doncic and Banchero.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Regarding the list, Termine said: "LeBron and Jordan are arguably two of the greatest offensive players of all time. Luka is on pace to become one of the greatest offensive players of all time. And it's Paolo Banchero.

"That's how good he's been. He's been historically good."

“He’s been historically good”@TermineRadio talks with @JumpShot8 about the successful career start for Orlando’s star forward pic.twitter.com/r3Rs2g6l7Z

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) October 4, 2024

Banchero became the youngest player in NBA history to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists in a single season last year, earned his first All-Star appearance and helped the Magic to 47 wins and a playoff appearance last year. He was at another level in the playoffs, averaging 27 points, 8.6 rebounds and four assists through seven games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Johnson, a 17-year NBA veteran and cohost on the show, also offered his perspective. He mentioned how he'd like to see Banchero become a better rebounder because of his size, but then sang his praises.

"I think he's the full package. I think he has everything," Johnson said. "... So no, you're not off-center there at all. I mean, I love him. I think he's tremendous, and he's blended in well with a young team. That's hard to do when you're a young guy and you got other young guys trying to prove themselves, but yet he's taken over. He is basically the leader of the team."

To listen to the full interview episode, click here.

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