Magic Starting 5: Paolo Banchero Wins Rookie of the Year

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

Jeremy Brener | Apr 26, 2023

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Orlando Magic

"Banchero beat out Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams and Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler for the honor. After winning the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month four times throughout the season, it became pretty clear that Banchero was the favorite to win."

2. MARKELLE FULTZ GAINING CONFIDENCE

"And while Fultz has dealt with various other injuries over the past few years in Orlando, including a torn ACL in 2020 and fractured toe at the beginning of this season, the floor general's 2022-23 campaign proved to be the most productive of his career."

3. KAWHI LEONARD INJURY UPDATE

More details have come regarding Kawhi Leonard's absence in the final three games of the Los Angeles Clippers' season.

According to The Athletic, Leonard tore his meniscus in his right knee after Game 2. That was the last he played for the Clippers this season before their elimination last night at the hands of the Phoenix Suns.

4. WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00 p.m. EST, NBA TV (Knicks lead 3-1)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7:30 p.m. EST, TNT (Lakers lead 3-1)

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 9:30 p.m. EST, NBA TV (Heat leads 3-1)

Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings, 10:00 p.m. EST, TNT (Series tied 2-2)

5. NBA DRAFT LOTTERY COUNTDOWN

The Magic is 20 days away from the NBA Draft Lottery, where it will be revealed if Orlando will have the opportunity to take Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick.

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Published Apr 26, 2023

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.