Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero expressed confidence that his crew has the roster to compete deep into the playoffs. Talking with Josh Robbins of The Athletic, Banchero mentioned, “I believe we ought to be a deep playoff crew. Hopefully, which means Finals. But when it’s something shorter than that, then Japanese Convention finals.”
Banchero highlighted the depth of the Magic roster and confused the significance of performing throughout the common season. “Seeing our crew, seeing the fellows thus far — it’s early, however I believe we’ve the kind of crew that may make a run to the Finals,” he added.
The 6-foot-10 ahead has began the 2024–25 season with historic performances, together with a 33-point, 11-rebound opener towards the Miami Warmth. That efficiency positioned him alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady as the one Magic gamers to attain 30+ factors with 10+ rebounds in a season opener.
Banchero adopted with a career-high 50 factors, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, and two blocks in a win over the Indiana Pacers on October 28, 2024. His offensive and playmaking versatility has been a key issue for Orlando early this season.
Regardless of struggling a torn proper indirect on October 30, Banchero returned to motion on January 10, 2025, posting 34 factors and 7 rebounds towards the Milwaukee Bucks. He later scored 36 factors, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a February 20 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Banchero signed a five-year, $239 million extension with the Magic on July 7, securing his function because the franchise cornerstone. His 2024–25 season averages embrace 25.9 factors, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per recreation, reflecting constant all-around manufacturing.
The Magic enter the 2025–26 season with a roster mixing veteran expertise and younger prospects. Alongside Banchero, gamers like Desmond Bane, Wendell Carter Jr., and Franz Wagner are anticipated to supply complementary scoring and defensive presence beneath coach Jamahl Mosley.
