'We're All Built For This': Magic's Paolo Banchero on Rookie Campaign

On Thursday, Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero spoke on "The Ryen Russillo Podcast" to discuss the team and his overall season.

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ORLANDO - If the Orlando Magic sits No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero for the remainder of the season, his rookie campaign will go down as one of the most historic in franchise history. 

However, it appeared they were destined for another top draft pick after posting a 5-20 mark in the early stages of the year,. 

A major turnaround saw the team post a 29-26 record since, while finishing the season 20-21 at home following Thursday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

And despite being ruled out of playoff contention following Tuesday's loss to the Cavaliers, Orlando's surprising campaign has solidified Banchero's case as favorite for Rookie of the Year. 

"We always knew how good we were," Banchero said on "The Ryen Russillo Podcast." "We just didn't have anybody to start the year, me and [Franz Wagner] were playing point guard...Once guys started to come back we started beating a lot of teams. Obviously the league was kinda surprised and whatnot but we knew how good we were."

Wagner, the No. 8 pick in 2021, leads the Magic in appearances and starts (78), while trailing only Banchero in points (18.8). 

Being drafted by a team with former top draft picks in Wagner and 2017 No. 1 selection Markelle Fultz, the Magic has learned to have confidence in its ability to generate offense - especially in late game scenarios. 

"I trust them, they trust me," Banchero said. "So it just makes a perfect dynamic because [Markelle Fultz and Franz Wagner] and whoever else, Cole [Anthony] is in that group as well, Wendell [Carter Jr.] we all trust each other to hit big shots and make plays.

"I'm never worried about what they're gonna do or if they're gonna make the right play. "[Fultz] is a former No. 1 pick, Franz is a top-10 pick, we're all built for this and we know that."

Orlando is back in action on the road tonight against the Brooklyn Nets. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.  

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