'The Future of the Game!' Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Praises Magic's Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner

“They’re the future of the game — in the sense of where the game is trending," Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said of Orlando Magic forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. "Long wings that can really do everything. ... I mean they’re really really good, both those guys.”

Jeremy Brener | Dec 24, 2023

'The Future of the Game!' Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Praises Magic's Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner /

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic pulled out a much-needed 117-110 win against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, snapping a four-game losing streak.

Like most nights, the Magic was led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who combined for 58 of the team's 117 points by shooting 19 of 34 from the field and 20 of 24 from the free throw line.

Paolo Banchero Franz Wagner — Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

“They’re the future of the game — in the sense of where the game is trending," Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said postgame. "Long wings that can really do everything. ... I mean they’re really really good, both those guys.”

Banchero and Wagner both rank in the top 50 in the NBA in scoring. That stat, coupled with the fact that Orlando currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference, should warrant the Magic forwards some All-Star consideration.

The fact that Orlando is building around this pair and both players have accomplished so much in a small amount of time is a testament to how far this Magic team can go in the years to come.

Magic Beats Pacers, Ending Losing Streak

If they continue along this current trajectory, they truly may become the future of the NBA.

Banchero, Wagner and the Magic will be off for Christmas, but then they will return to action on Tuesday night when the team visits the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Published Dec 24, 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.