Orlando Magic PF Paolo Banchero Reveals Rookie Year Challenge
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero seemed to cruise through his award-winning season. However, it wasn't all perfect.
Banchero seemed to adjust to life in the NBA pretty quickly, posting record numbers in his first game in the league. He scored 27 points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out five assists in his NBA debut and went from there.
While it seemed easy on the surface, there were challenges the No. 1 overall pick was facing as the season went on.
Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero
USA Today Sports
"The traveling and all the other stuff that goes into play NBA season," Banchero said. "I think this year, I'm a lot more prepared for it. Last year kind of, you know, hit me like a bus I think midway through the year just traveled catching up the lack of sleep and stuff like that. So now I know how to handle it. I know what to expect. And I think I'll be much better at doing that."
Knowing Banchero has another level to reach is great news for the Magic. As the team's No. 1 pick a year ago, he's been tabbed as the face of the franchise and the potential player to push Orlando to new heights. If he's able to continue adapting to life in the NBA and improve his game, the Magic's ceiling will rise.
A lot of the players on the Magic's roster have been speaking highly about its growth this offseason, giving fans hope for the future of the franchise. That, combined with the breakout year that Banchero seems to be set up for this season, could lead to the Magic making more noise than expected.
