Magic PF Paolo Banchero Chasing 'All-Star Berth' in Second Season

Can reigning Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero make an All-Star team in his second season with the Orlando Magic?

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero proved himself to be Rookie of the Year worthy last season, but can he ascend to All-Star status in year two?

In 2022, many fans were shocked when the Magic drafted Banchero over projected No. 1 pick Jabari Smith at the time, but they would soon learn why the Duke Blue Devil was a phenomenal selection with the top overall pick.

As a rookie, Banchero led Orlando in points by averaging 20 points per game to go with 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, all numbers that are incredibly successful for a young man who was still trying to find his place not only on the Magic but in the NBA as a whole.

As social media clips revealed, Banchero followed up his impressive rookie season by putting in work with future NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. If Banchero spent the offseason improving his shot, he could be ready for an All-Star leap in year two.

Paolo puttin’ in work with KD 😤 pic.twitter.com/DOTLF7RQuD

— Ryan Lommen (@TheDukeNation) July 28, 2023

"Now, like Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and Zion Williamson before him – each of whom averaged 20 points as a rookie – Banchero can shoot for an All-Star berth in Year 2," NBA.com writes. "That, more involved defense and leadership could help the Magic reach the playoffs."

Can the face of the Orlando Magic franchise, Paolo Banchero, become an All-Star in his second season? / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

He's already proven that he can thrive when all eyes are on him, but there will be heightened expectations for Banchero in his second NBA season. 

Having played some minutes with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, he had the opportunity to ask multiple stars and championship coaches for advice on becoming an All-Star this season. 

I expect he'll improve significantly in his second season in Orlando and make his first All-Star team after elevating his scoring load by around five points and improving his three-point shot from the 30 percent he shot as a rookie.