Does Magic Star Paolo Banchero Deserve an All-Star Game Nod?

Paolo Banchero has been having a really solid year for the Orlando Magic, but according to a recent article by Bleacher Report, they have the young star narrowly missing the All-Star Game.

The Orlando Magic is having a great start to its season, and a lot of the team's success can be attributed to the electric play of its young stars, namely Paolo Banchero.

So far this season, Banchero is averaging 21.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, which are very similar to his numbers in his rookie year last season. But where the difference in his game can be seen is the tremendous improvement in his shooting numbers. But despite all of his improvements, Banchero narrowly misses the Eastern Conference roster for the All-Star Game in a recent article by Bleacher Report predicting the teams.

Paolo Banchero / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

"You want to reward the Orlando Magic for their meteoric ascent, and he's the best possible recipient," Bleacher Report writes. "But the offensive peaks and valleys are too much. Contact-drawing artistry and improved three-point shooting are important, but it feels like he's tossing more telegraphed passes, and his sub-70-percent clip from the foul line is a letdown."

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Banchero's turnover numbers are up from his rookie year, as he is still getting used to having the ball in his hand as one of the primary ball-handlers for the team. Some of this might change whenever the team gets back its starting point guard, Markelle Fultz from his knee injury. 

Banchero will get plenty more chances to prove that he belongs on the Eastern Conference All-Star team, as there are still a couple months until the All-Star break. He and the rest of the Magic will be back in action tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from the Kia Center.