Paolo Bancheroearned the Rookie of the Year Award for 2023, after a brilliant first season with the Orlando Magic. Although the Magic nearly missed out on a play-in berth, Banchero joins an exclusive company of Shaquille O Neal and Mike Miller after receiving the award. Banchero has dominated his fellow Draft mates in the 2022-23 season. However, it s been almost 2 decades since the Magic had a rookie win the award since 2001.
The last player for the Magic to ever with the ROTY award was Mike Miller, who won it in 2001. Before Miller, it wasShaquille O Nealwho won the award in 1992, almost 3 decades ago. However, the Magic can hope to see Banchero improve his game after a successful year in Orlando. Although he failed to carry the franchise to a post-season run, the fans can hope for something even better next season.
Paolo Banchero is the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year.
He joins Mike Miller (2001) and Shaquille O Neal (1993) as the only Magic players to win the award. pic.twitter.com/ZGJoH9zY7k
The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 25, 2023
This season Banchero clocked in 72 games for the Magic which puts him second behind Franz Wagner with 80 games. Playing 72 games in your first season is a huge impetus, as he is sure to pick up a lot from the league and come stronger next season. This season Bancheroaveraged20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for the Magic. He is also the leading scorer for the team and something to be proud of.
Banchero is only the third player to win the ROTY award in franchise history. This accomplishment will encourage him to do even better next season. Banchero became just the sixth rookie to average such stats.
Paolo Banchero opens up about winning the Rookie of the Year Award
Banchero got drafted No.1 overall by the Orlando Magicand had high hopes from the start. It is only fair to say that Banchero has lived up to the hype. Shaquille O Neal announced the winner of the award, and in the interview asked him about winning the ROTY award after being drafted.
She taught me a lot of lessons. Some hard ones, but she always just stressed the fundamentals first, putting those first. We worked on a lot of boring stuff growing up. Drop steps, using the backboard, using your left hand, and just putting the work first. That was one thing she made sure I was doing was being active and working on my game and everything else is gone take care of itself,Banchero mentioned his mother on all that she taught him.
I definitely did. I remember when I first got drafted my agent, Mike Miller, who also won Rookie of the Year for the Magic, looked at me and asked me if I was going to be Rookie of the Year and I confidently said yes. It was a goal I ve always had, something I had my eye on the second I got drafted, Banchero admitted. As the Magic work their way through the next season, Banchero will once again be looked up to lead the Magic.
