Magic's Paolo Banchero Playing Center for Team USA?

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero may be the biggest on the court for Team USA in some lineups during the FIBA World Cup.

Jeremy Brener | Aug 9, 2023

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is inching closer to his FIBA World Cup debut with Team USA next month.

In Monday's scrimmage against Puerto Rico, Banchero scored seven points in 17 minutes off the bench. Given the fact that he's the youngest member of the squad, Banchero isn't expected to play as much for Team USA as he did with the Magic in his rookie season.

However, Banchero may see a different role for the national team.

“One of the things we really found in [2021] in the Tokyo Olympics was having a 5 who can push the ball and transition and create plays is very difficult for FIBA teams to handle," USA coach Steve Kerr said. "So he can play some 4, as he showed, but he’ll play plenty of 5, as well.”

Given the Magic's size, Banchero would almost always have a big man to play alongside. But maybe his Team USA experience could translate to the NBA.

The Magic drafted two rookie "guards" in Anthony Black and Jett Howard, creating a crowded backcourt. However, if Banchero could play the "center" position, then it could give players in that backcourt more playing time.

Orlando prides itself on being one of the longest teams in the league, but if Banchero can flash potential playing as a center, then the Magic can become even more versatile than it already is.

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Published Aug 9, 2023

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.