Draymond Green is impressed by Paolo Banchero’s on-court demeanor: “I think that was the most confident I’ve ever seen an Orlando Magic team”
Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero has been buzzing with his play this season. It's even gotten the attention of Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green.
Banchero was selected first overall in this year's draft. There's a price that comes with being the top pick in a draft class. That price is delivering on the hype of being the No. 1 selection. So far, Banchero has done nothing but prove his worth on the court. After his first nine games, Paolo is averaging 21.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
The Magic are known as a young rebuilding team. Despite their 2-7 record, the team has shown some promising signs. That includes their impressive win on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors.
After the game, Warriors forward Draymond Green praised the Magic rookie. Green said that this is "the most confident I've ever seen an Orlando Magic team." The Warriors veteran continued to say that he believes a large part of that is due to Paolo Banchero:
“I think that was the most confident I’ve ever seen an Orlando Magic team. … I think that’s in large part to Paolo’s demeanor and what he’s brought into this building.”
Draymond Green on Paolo Banchero, who is averaging 22.7 points through nine career games: “I think that was the most confident I’ve ever seen an Orlando Magic team…I think that’s in large part to Paolo’s demeanor and what he’s brought into this building.” https://t.co/zA8iY2UHqL
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero impressing in rookie season
Throughout the opening weeks of the season, Paolo Banchero has been nothing short of spectacular. Banchero was impressive yet again in the team's tough win against Golden State on Thursday. He finished the game with 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists on 8-of-17 shooting.
In his past five games, Banchero has averaged 21.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Coming into the 2022-23 season, Banchero was viewed as a favorite for the Rookie of the Year award. He's done everything to prove why he was viewed in such high regard.
The Orlando Magic have struggled when it comes to adding to their win column so far this year. But there looks to be an impressive young core of talent that is on the right path.
Paolo Banchero got BUSY against the Warriors in a W: @Pp_doesit
- 22 Points
- 8 rebounds https://t.co/40SnjprpQK
Banchero was selected first overall with the hope that he could be an offensive weapon for the Magic. So far, it looks like that hope will come true in a big way. Alongside Banchero, second-year forward Franz Wagner has been good, too. After impressing during his rookie season, Wagner has also shown impressive strides in development.
The two talented forwards are looking like future building blocks for Orlando to surround with additional pieces. Wagner so far this season has averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists. With last year's lottery selection Jalen Suggs also showing positive signs, the Magic have a young core to get excited about.
Banchero and the Magic will look to build off their impressive win against the Warriors. They are set to have six straight home games, which will give them an opportunity to put together some wins. Orlando will face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday before welcoming the Houston Rockets on Monday.