Magic's Paolo Banchero is early favorite for NBA Rookie of Year

The former Duke Blue Devil has since established himself as the franchise player Orlando desperately needed to complement its young supporting cast. He led the Magic on a six-game winning streak in December, posting 20+ points each game.

Banchero's dominant on-court presence has demanded attention from opponents' best defenders, thus opening the court for role players such as small forward Franz Wagner and center Wendell Carter Jr.

The rookie is also undefeated in all three meetings against the league-best Boston Celtics. He scored 20, 31 and 23 points in those games.

Banchero will play in the Jordan Rising Stars annual showcase on Feb. 17, but some believe he deserves a spot on the All-Star team. 

Despite finishing with a higher weighted score than Eastern Conference All-Stars Bam Adebayo (8) and Julius Randle (8.25), Banchero (7.25) was left off the team after placing seventh in frontcourt voting.

He could still make the final cut as an alternate if someone opts out, which would make him the first rookie All-Star since Blake Griffin in 2011.

As far as the newly named Wilt Chamberlain Rookie of the Year award, Banchero has separated himself from the pack as the clear favorite.

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is arguably the only one close to catching Banchero. The fellow 20-year-old averages 17.4 points and 4.2 rebounds off the bench, but he doesn't lead the Pacers in any major stats and isn't his team's most valuable asset, as Banchero is.

If he wins ROY, Banchero would join Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal and two-time NBA champion forward Mike Miller as the only Magic players to earn the honor.