The Magic Insider

Magic Pick Paolo Banchero: The Next Jayson Tatum?

The No. 1 overall pick has been compared to one of the best players in the league.

Jeremy Brener

Magic Pick Paolo Banchero: The Next Jayson Tatum?
Magic Pick Paolo Banchero: The Next Jayson Tatum? /

ORLANDO - Newly-drafted Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum have a lot in common.

Both were McDonald's All Americans. Both of them played for Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils. Both are playmakers in the frontcourt.

And barring any unforeseen circumstances, both will be top 3 picks in the NBA Draft.

Tatum was already the No. 3 overall pick in 2017, and Banchero became the top overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.

The only difference between the two? Tatum's five years older and led his Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals, while Banchero hasn't had the opportunity yet. But Tatum's success could be a sign of things to come.

In a striking video showing Tatum's Celtics highlights alongside Banchero's Duke highlights, it's amazing how similar the pair move.

Tatum is a remarkable playmaker in the frontcourt, able to get buckets usually whenever he pleases, and for the Magic, Banchero plays a similar role.

At the end of the video, Coach K is interviewed following a game where he beams with pride about Banchero.

"It's just that grit and that determination," Krzyzewski said. "Paolo, a couple of his moves ... you could see it on his face, holy mackerel! That's the guy! I coach that guy!"

Tatum's grit and determination has led him to three Conference Finals appearances in his first five seasons in the NBA, including a Finals appearance this season. If the Magic draft him with its No. 1 pick and Banchero matches Tatum, there could be a really bright future in Orlando.

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Jeremy Brener
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.

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