'Pretty unstoppable' Paolo Banchero draws praise from 17-year NBA vet

Orlando selected Banchero with the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Since then, he's rapidly emerged as a future star in the league. After winning Rookie of the Year to start his career, he earned his first All-Star selection in his sophomore season. To begin this season, he's dominating the stat sheet, averaging 28.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and six assists on 48% shooting from the field and 39.1% shooting from three-point range.

Based on his first four games of the season, Banchero is certainly on another level. He understands how to use his size and physicality to get wherever he wants on the floor. Yet, he also understands that he's skilled enough not to lean too heavily on his physical attributes, allowing him to blend power with poise and adjust his game based on what the defense is taking away. 

With Banchero playing at this current level, the Magic can be a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. They've been slowly building a high-level roster full of exceptional young talent. After a couple of years together, the pieces are beginning to fall into place. It won't be long until Orlando is fighting for a top-five seed, and when that happens, they will be here to stay for a long time as long as they have Banchero as the engine.