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3 expectations for Paolo Banchero in his second year with the Orlando Magic

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic poses during the 2022 Orlando Magic Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center on September 26, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic poses during the 2022 Orlando Magic Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center on September 26, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 16: Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic attempts a layup during the game against the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 16: Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic attempts a layup during the game against the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

3 expectations for Paolo Banchero’s sophomore season

2. Average 25 points per game

We are asking a lot here, but Paolo Banchero is going to one day average 25 points per game in a season. It is something that is going to happen. That is what all the top stars in the league do and if the team is going to compete for championships, this is the level Banchero is going to have to get to.

So why not push it ahead of schedule?

Esteemed scorers such as Derrick Rose, Ja Morant and Carmelo Anthony all averaged more than 25 points per game. Crucially though, all of these players made that significant scoring leap in year three.

LeBron James managed an incredible 27.2 points per night in his second season. So why shouldn’t that be the benchmark for Banchero?

It might seem ridiculous to chase possibly the greatest to ever do it . . . until you realize Luka Doncic put up a crazy 28.2 points as a 20-year-old in his second season.

It can be done. And Banchero was averaging 23.5 points per game in his first 11 games before missing games with a sprained ankle. He certainly has that potential.

This would require Banchero to come back next season and to jump up more than one level. But as things stand, he is undoubtedly going to be the centerpiece of what the Magic will attempt to accomplish offensively in the coming seasons.

The organization ranked in the bottom five in offensive rating last year despite all of Banchero’s offensive potential. If they are to change their fortunes, Banchero is going to have to take the ball and do even more with it.

If Banchero is going to put up 25 next season, then his playmaking and passing is also going to have to improve some so as to become more of a threat to set up his teammates.

Encouragingly, the 3.7 assists he managed was the third most on the team, and while there is definitely room for improvement, you wouldn’t bet against Banchero doing just that next year too.