The Magic Insider

Magic's Paolo Banchero Ceiling? 'He Doesn't Even Know Yet!' - Isaiah Thomas

Former All-NBA guard Isaiah Thomas had a lot of good things to say about Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero.

Max Gamarra

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ORLANDO - Isaiah Thomas, an 11-year NBA veteran and two-time All Star, sang the praises of sophomore Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero as he appeared on an episode of Gil's Arena, a podcast hosted by Gilbert Arenas, and spoke about the budding star in Orlando. 

"He doesn't know how good he is yet, and that's the dope thing about him," Thomas said. "He's just a sponge, he's always texting and asking some questions about how to get better."

Banchero was selected first overall by the Magic in the 2022 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists on his way to winning rookie of the year. 

He became one of three Orlando players to ever win the award, following Shaquille O'Neal in 1993 and Mike Miller in 2001. 

Both Thomas and Banchero were born in the state of Washington, with Banchero growing up in Seattle and Thomas in Tacoma.

"I think Paolo Banchero (has) a chance to be the greatest from here for sure," Thomas said. 

Thomas played for 10 different teams over the course of his career, averaging 17.7 points and 4.8 assists. His best season came in 2016-17 with the Boston Celtics when he averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists, good enough to earn him an appearance on the All-NBA Second Team. He also finished fifth in MVP voting that year.

Banchero is currently playing for Team USA in preparation for the FIBA World Cup which starts on Aug. 25. 

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Max Gamarra
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