Magic Starting 5: Paolo Banchero Has Best No. 1 Pick Debut Since LeBron James

The Magic Insider lists five of the biggest NBA storylines in addition to relevant Orlando Magic news and analysis.

Jeremy Brener | Oct 21, 2022

Magic Starting 5: Paolo Banchero Has Best No. 1 Pick Debut Since LeBron James /

In this story:

1. MAGIC DROP OPENING GAME IN TOUGH LOSS VS. PISTONS

"Banchero scored 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the loss, becoming the first player to record a 25-5-5 stat line in a debut since LeBron James in 2003. Despite the accomplishment, Banchero wasn't satisfied."

2. PAOLO BANCHERO DESCRIBES DUKE EXPERIENCE

"Banchero joined Magic teammate R.J. Hampton for a recent episode of The Young Person Basketball Podcast to talk about his play in the preseason the life of fame he's grown accustomed to since his days in Durham, N.C."

3. RUSSELL WESTBROOK TRADE COMING SOON?

”I’m told to expect Rob Pelinka and the Lakers to wait until post-Thanksgiving, 20 games into the season and see what teams may start pivoting, who don’t start off well who decide that they may start to unload players and perhaps get involved in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes to get down in the lottery,” said Woj.

4. BON VOYAGE, EVAN FOURNIER?

"I don’t think there is any question they would be willing to move him," the front office member told Heavy.com. Fournier, who turns 30 later this month, could undoubtedly help a contending team on its outside shooting endeavors. His 241 successful three-pointers earned last season were a career-high and a Knicks' single-season franchise record, though he did shoot a personal-worst .417 from the field and struggled on defense.

5. NEXT MAGIC GAME

The Magic is back in action on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 p.m. You can watch in-market on Bally Sports Florida or out-of-market on NBA League Pass.

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Published Oct 21, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.