The Orlando Magic were blessed by the lottery gods in the latest NBA Draft after winning the first overall pick. The Magic drafted Paolo Banchero, who impressed everyone with his offensive arsenal at the young age of 19.
Banchero shined in his brief stint during Summer League, averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, looking like a man among boys, even though he competed mainly against players older than him. And with the start of training camp, the compliments did not end because teammate Franz Wagner of Germany was very impressed with what Banchero showed off the court.
According to Franz Wagner of USA Today, he appreciates so much how much Paul Banchero is willing to learn from the Magic’s coaching staff.
“I think he’s a really mature guy. I think he’s very focused. He listens to everything that is said to him. He’s quite coachable. I think those are the first things that stand out about him. I think the sky is the limit for him, given all these qualities.”
If anyone knows how to succeed as a rookie, it’s Franz Wagner, who is coming off a solid campaign at EuroBasket in and with Germany after holding averages of 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his first season in the NBA.
Expectations on Paolo Banchero will be very different, being the first overall pick. Banchero will be considered the savior of the franchise but, if Wagner’s assessment of him is anything to go by, then Banchero is well positioned to take on the challenge of returning the Magic to their former glory.
Read also: Simone Fontecchio and his start in the NBA: “The transition is difficult.”
