Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has used the disappointment of missing out on the NBA All-Star Game as fuel to improve his performance. Instead of pointing fingers, Banchero took a hard look at himself and his contribution to the team.
Banchero’s Honest Self-Assessment
Banchero admitted he wasn’t happy with his play in the first half of the season. He attributed some of this to being injured and working his way back. “I could’ve had a better mindset,” Banchero told Andscape.
Banchero also said, “I know I’m an All-Star in this league. My confidence is still the same. It’s about being honest with yourself and realizing that you didn’t really deserve to be an All-Star, honestly. It’s about taking that with a grain of salt and being better in the second half of the season.” He also expressed frustration with the team’s overall performance during the first half of the season.
Prior to the All-Star break, Banchero averaged 21.3 points on 45.4% shooting, 8.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 43 appearances. The Magic’s record stood at 28-25 at the break, a factor that didn’t help Banchero’s All-Star case. Injuries to Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs also contributed to the team’s struggles.
Post All-Star Improvement
Since returning from his vacation in the Bahamas over the All-Star break, Banchero has elevated his game. He’s been one of the NBA’s top performers on both offence and defence. This has aided the Magic in their climb up the Eastern Conference standings.
In the 10 games following the All-Star break, Banchero has averaged 26.2 points (50.8% shooting), 9.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Four of his nine 30-point performances this year have come in this stretch. The Magic are 10-4 in his past 14 games, where he’s a plus-102.
Banchero was one of four players averaging at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists since the All-Star break. The others are Jaylen Brown, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic.
Magic Face Cavaliers
Banchero and the Magic are scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference showdown.
- Banchero missed 10 games with a left groin strain suffered in early December.
- The Magic opened the season 1-4.
- Banchero was the 2022 No. 1 overall pick.
Banchero missed 10 games due to a left groin strain in early December, but took responsibility for the Magic’s slow start.