Mar 13, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots a free throw against the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

'He Reminds Me of Josh Smith' – Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero Draws 'Red Flag' Concern From Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 8:48 AM ET

The Orlando Magic entered the 2025-26 NBA season with high expectations, but they recently dropped to 1-3 following a disappointing 136-124 road loss against the undefeated Philadelphia 76ers.

Paolo Banchero had a team-high 32 points in the losing effort yesterday. However, before this game, the 22-year-old swingman had struggled from the field, causing NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry to express concern about his development on the offensive end.

“I’m going to raise the red flag over Paolo Banchero Island. This is such a key moment for him, and I hesitate to admit this — but at times, he reminds me of Josh Smith,” Goldsberry said on The Zach Lowe Show.

Feb 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

“He’s made just five of his 27 jump shots this year, and I’m not cherry-picking. I love Paolo — he’s a huge part of the future of American basketball — but last season, among the 62 most active jump shooters in the NBA, he ranked 60th in efficiency. He has a jump-shooting problem, and as the team’s most active scorer, that’s an issue,” he concluded.

Orlando Magic News: Paolo Banchero reflects on the team’s early struggles

After having one of the league’s worst offenses last season, the Orlando Magic put an emphasis on playing faster offensively. However, it hasn’t gone as planned, and the worst part about it is their defense also plateaued.

Feb 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrate after a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“Definitely not what we’re used to,” Banchero said via Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede. “(It) Hasn’t been very good, giving up a lot of points. But that’s kind of what you give up when you speed the pace up. Teams are able to get out and run, and it causes crossmatches and miscommunications… So, we’ve got to figure it out.”

“We need to be smarter about how fast we’re playing,” he continued. “If you’re just going fast without any direction, it’s not the best. We can’t hang our heads. It’s early in the season but it’s not an excuse. We have to have a real sense of urgency.”