'Wire-to-Wire Winner': Magic PF Paolo Banchero Rookie of the Year No-Brainer?

Orlando Magic rookie and No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero is posting 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 71 games this season.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO - The NBA's Rookie of the Year race has been gaining steam over the back-half of the season. 

With Oklahoma City Thunder guard and No. 12 pick Jalen Williams' play over the past few months proving why his hat should be tossed in the ring. 

Averaging 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists, Williams production skyrocketed in the month of March where he posted nearly 20 points on 46.3% from downtown. 

Along with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who's defensive prowess (2.3 blocks) has made voters consider his value on a Jazz team that turned heads at the beginning of the year. 

However, ESPN does not seem convinced that any other first-year player deems worthy to jump the Orlando Magic's No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero in the Rookie of the Year race. 

"No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero has been the wire-to-wire winner," ESPN's Tim MacMahon writes. "The debate is which other rookies to put on the ballot (the right answer: Jalen Williams and Walker Kessler). Every rookie who has averaged at least 19 points, six rebounds and three assists since the ABA-NBA merger has won Rookie of the Year. Banchero will join Luka Doncic, Blake Griffin, Grant Hill, Larry Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Walter Davis in that club."

Facing off against two fellow lottery picks on Sunday in the Detroit Pistons' Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, Banchero posted 14 points, nine rebounds and three assists in the 26-point victory. 

"Paolo, he's a few years ahead of himself," Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said pregame. "You look at him and think he's a 5 to 10 year vet, and this his first year. So, the future's bright for that young man and is going to be tough for the league the rest of his career because he brings so much intensity, power and force. I'm watching the game is slowing down for him a little bit too."

After winning just 22 games last season, Banchero's rookie season has helped Orlando improve to 34-win campaign with four games left to go on the year.

"I think you can just see how our team is winning, especially from last year to this year,” Magic guard Markelle Fultz said. “Obviously, there are a lot of guys that contributed to that but picking him up was a big part of that. I don’t think there is really any discussion about (Rookie of the Year) but, of course, people gotta vote.”

The Magic is back in action on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00p.m. 

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