Magic PF Paolo Banchero Taking on Leadership Role in Year 2

"I watched him during a practice in Las Vegas and the way he carried himself and projected his voice in certain drills," Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said on Paolo Banchero's leadership.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 26, 2023

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero isn't a rookie anymore.

With a year of NBA experience under his belt, Banchero should be expected to take on more of a leadership role as the Magic vies for a playoff spot this season. He was able to gain even more experience this summer while playing for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup ... and his coach Jamahl Mosley noticed that there are some changes with the franchise cornerstone.

"I watched him during a practice in Las Vegas and the way he carried himself and projected his voice in certain drills," Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "I think that’s going to go so far when he’s back with the Magic because it’s a level of leadership you’re asking him to step into. I think he recognizes and feels that. It was a great experience for him to be around that group of players and those coaches."

Over 72 games this past season, the Duke product averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He joined Blake Griffin, Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Larry Johnson, Larry Bird, and Walter David as the only first-year player since the NBA-ABA merger that has averaged at least 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, per ESPN.

If Banchero can continue to post strong numbers as a rising young forward and develop as a leader for a young and exciting Magic team, Orlando should have a recipe for success in the foreseeable future.

Banchero and the Magic begins training camp on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

Published Sep 26, 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.