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Paolo Banchero Claps Back at Fan Over Kevin Durant Diss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 12:31 PM ET

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero had a strong response to a fan trying to clown him for working on his skills during the 2025 NBA offseason. After advancing to the playoffs in the last two seasons (47-35 in 2023-24 and 41-41 in 2024-25), the power forward is expected to take his game to the next level and lead the Magic to contend.

He missed 36 games due to injuries, but still averaged career-highs in points (25.9) and rebounds (7.5). Additionally, the former No. 1 overall pick shot 45.2% from the field, 32% from deep and 72.7% from the free-throw line.

With the Magic landing Desmond Bane to form a big three with Banchero and Franz Wagner, the expectations are high for the Florida team.

The Duke product is already in the gym, working on his game, but his offseason efforts drew uncalled-for criticism from a fan.

A video showing Banchero working on his skills, including his fadeaway shot, made the rounds on social media on Thursday. One fan criticized him and accused him of trying to be Kevin Durant.

"6’9 255 pounds and his big (expletive) wanna shoot fadeaways like he KD," the fan tweeted.

Banchero didn't appreciate the comments and responded by saying that he was doing something many players did before him or Durant.

"damn when it become wrong to work on face up game and touch in the lane??? (expletive) that basketball players been drilling since the inception of the game," he tweeted on Friday.

Outside of that, it's not a secret that Durant has inspired many players during his NBA career. Banchero wants to take his small-market team to the top of the league and learning from one of the best scorers in history must help.

The new-look Magic should be better than last season in an Eastern Conference with no clear favorite.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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