The first two players taken in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars draft belong to the Orlando Magic.
Power forward and Rookie of the Year favorite Paolo Banchero was selected first overall by coach Pau Gasol. All-Rookie first-team small forward Franz Wagner followed right after to join coach Deron Williams' squad.
Pau Paolo
— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2023
Pau Gasol takes the No. 1 pick from the 2022 draft with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 #JordanRisingStars Draft... LIVE NOW the NBA App!
https://t.co/m1HG9WjPzf pic.twitter.com/M4sjGE8DMf
Deron Williams makes it back-to-back @OrlandoMagic players to open the 2023 #JordanRisingStars Draft... taking Franz Wagner!
— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2023
LIVE NOW the NBA App https://t.co/m1HG9WjPzf pic.twitter.com/8lea5X30QU
Banchero isn't new to the No. 1 spot. The 20-year-old was the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and leads in the Magic in points (20.3), rebounds (6.6), assists (3.7) and steals (1). He also tops all rookies in scoring and 30-point games (four).
It didn’t take long for Banchero to establish himself as the future of the franchise. He's played at a level some consider All-Star-worthy — although, he didn't make the final cut — and even received praise from Lakers star LeBron James.
"[Banchero has] been exceptional. He's only going to get better and better," James said, according to Sports Illustrated.
Wagner — not to be confused with older brother and fellow Magic teammate Moritz Wagner — averages 19.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
The 21-year-old plays a key role in Orlando’s young developing offense and led the team in scoring in 18 out of 54 games this season. Sixers' Joel Embiid commended Wagner's fearlessness after battling him for four quarters.
"I kept telling [Wagner], 'Stop doing that,' because he kept trying to attack me. A really good young player," Embiid said, according to SB Nation's Paul Hudrick.
first two picks in the #JordanRisingStars draft @Pp_doesit x @franzboogie pic.twitter.com/gfwJVacpMG
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 7, 2023
The Orlando teammates will take opposite sides of the court as they compete in the All-Star weekend event on Friday, Feb. 17. The three-game tournament will feature four teams comprised of rookies, sophomores and G League players.
Deron Williams, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol drafted their teams today for 2023 Jordan Rising Stars. Each legend selected seven players from the pool of 21 NBA rookies and sophomores. Jason Terry will lead the team of seven NBA G League players.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 7, 2023
The Rising Stars rosters: pic.twitter.com/3OfO7fzSPR
Despite the Magic's 22-32 record, the future looks bright in Orlando.
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