Paolo Banchero Injury Update: Orlando Magic star has exceeded expected return timeline
The return of Paolo Banchero should provide a massive boost for the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, there is still no precise date for the 2024 All-Star's return to the lineup. Banchero was sidelined with a torn oblique early in the season and has not played since the team's game against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 30. Overall, he has appeared in just five of the Magic's 27 games this season.
On Nov. 1, NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the injury and reported that the highly rated forward would be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. We have now reached Dec. 14 and there are still no signs of a comeback for the third-year forward.
On Friday, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed that Banchero was still not able to practice and is working his way back to fitness:
"He's doing the same ball-handling [and] light movement on the floor, and then just trying to find ways to get the cardio up without applying too much pressure. But again, he's just slowly moving his way to touching the court."
The latest comments from Mosley will be heartbreaking for the Magic's fanbase. Orlando (17-10) had a strong start to the season, winning 15 of its first 22 games. It remains toward the top end of the Eastern Conference standings, currently in third position, and will be eager to have its star player back as soon as possible.
This season, Banchero was off to a strong start before his unfortunate injury. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game over his first five starts.
Orlando Magic will be without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner for a difficult stretch of the season
Along with Paolo Banchero, the Magic are dealing with a long list of injuries at a critical stage of the season. Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris are both listed on the injury report. The loss of German forward Franz Wagner to a torn oblique (the same injury as Banchero), will also be a massive blow for the organization.
Orlando is preparing for a difficult run of games to close out the calendar year with the New York Knicks, OKC Thunder and Miami Heat next on the schedule. Following that tricky three-game run, the Magic will welcome the Boston Celtics, Heat and Knicks.
Coach Jamahl Mosley will be hoping to have his two stars, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner back as soon as possible as he maneuvers through a tough schedule.