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Ex-NBA player wants Paolo Banchero to take on role that Anthony Edwards rejected

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 7:30 PM ET

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero made headlines after signing a new contract extension with the franchise.

To be precise, Paolo Banchero agreed to a five-year, rookie maximum contract worth $239 million with the Orlando Magic. He could earn up to $287 million over the next five years if all conditions are met.

After signing the massive deal, Banchero sent a bold message to the fanbase, showing his priority is to bring an NBA Championship to Orlando.

With Banchero getting locked in with the team over the next five years, former NBA player Matt Barnes urged the Magic star to take on an additional role.

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Matt Barnes sees Paolo Banchero as one of the faces of the NBA

As a 22-year-old, Banchero’s best years are still ahead of him, but he has already won the NBA Rookie of the Year and earned his first-ever trip to the NBA All-Star game.

Banchero signing a huge deal means the Magic expect him to only get better in the future. Speaking of which, Barnes believes the next step for Banchero is to take on the role of one of the faces of the NBA.

“One thing I wanted to touch on was Paolo, how we’re continuing to have the conversation about the face of the league and who is going to be the American player, and his name is not being thrown out, Rachel [Nichols], but he has been nothing but absolutely incredible,” Barnes said on All The Smoke.

He added: “Big 6’9″, 6’10”, the versatility, he’s a dog. I’m a big fan of Paolo, and he should definitely be in the conversation of faces of the league in the next three to five years.”

Barnes’ co-host Rachel Nichols also shared her two cents in the statement.

“I don’t disagree with you. By the way, [winning] Rookie of the Year launches you into that conversation from the start,” Nichols stated.

So far, Banchero has averaged a solid 22.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game for his career. The only thing that is likely holding him back is the lack of a deep playoff run on his resume.

Anthony Edwards rejected the face of the league opportunity

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Currently, the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry are the faces of the league, but with both stars nearing their retirement, it’s evident that the league needs other stars to step up.

Among those players, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was expected to be a frontrunner. However, Edwards openly rejected the idea of wanting to be the face of the NBA.

He was called out for his statement, but if Ant doesn’t want the responsibility, then no one can force him to. Instead, the NBA could rely on someone like Banchero.

Alternatively, since joining the LA Lakers, Luka Doncic could potentially take on that role, too. At the end of the day, Edwards’ rejection of the opportunity may not sit well with some, but the NBA has plenty of other options.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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