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The Orlando Magic have had a very eventful season so far.
Although they aren’t doing as well as they once were a few weeks ago, they have become one of the most exciting young teams in the entire league and have taken down a number of tough foes in the Eastern Conference.
At the center of it all is Paolo Banchero, the 2023 Rookie of the Year who has been doing incredibly well this season.
Speaking on The Old Man & The Three, Magic star Franz Wagner spoke about his teammate and friend.
He said that Banchero has been very focused on “how to make other guys better.”
Wagner also added that he’s been very impressed by Banchero’s “maturity and leadership” and the growth that he has seen this season.
Franz Wagner has been impressed with Paolo Banchero’s confidence, leadership, and maturity this year.
Full episode: https://t.co/zSKk4W2ik2 pic.twitter.com/bmHk0XtFAt
— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) January 19, 2024
Banchero is posting 22.9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game in 2023-24.
That is definitely an evolution from last season when he averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as a rookie.
His improved statistic with assists proves that Banchero really is trying to get the whole team involved and knows that the Magic will only find long-lasting success if everyone is playing well.
He wants to bring Orlando together as a cohesive, strong, committed unit.
The Magic started the season sitting toward the very top of the Eastern Conference standings.
They have now come back down to Earth and are currently the eighth seed with a 22-19 record.
No one knows what the rest of the season will bring but Banchero and his squad have definitely made a statement to all fans and teams.
The Magic are doing better than they have in years and they wouldn’t have gotten this far without Banchero.
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