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3 Ways Paolo Banchero will improve for the Orlando Magic in 2024

By Alfred Ezman

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 27, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 27, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Drew Eubanks, Portland Trail Blazers, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Jan 10, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers power forward Drew Eubanks (24) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

3 ways Paolo Banchero will improve in 2024

1. Three-Point Shooting

One of the biggest and most notorious headlines about Paolo Banchero’s rookie season was his abysmal three-point shooting in February. During that time, he shot three percent from beyond the arc — 1 for 33 shooting overall.

Banchero shot 29.8 percent overall from beyond the arc for the season. Take out that 1-for-33 shooting performance in February and he shot 33.3 percent overall. Not bad, but certainly still leaving room for improvement.

This was generally a common theme throughout the year for last season’s rookie of the year. Grant it, the shooting was higher than three percent, but he only shot better than 35 percent from three during April. Every other month, he shot worse than 35 percent from beyond the arc.

Another thing to note is that Banchero had one three-pointer every 29 minutes on average. He took a lot of three-point shots (280) and was second on the team in total attempts. He also made on average just one long-range jumper per game leaving both consistency and ability out there on the floor.

There are areas where Banchero can certainly improve. Last season, according to NBA.com’s tracking stats, Banchero made only 33.8 percent of his 154 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season. He certainly can improve as a shooter.

This is part of the bigger story of Banchero’s upcoming season — his desire to be efficient. The biggest criticism of his Rookie of the Year campaign was this inefficiency. That is not typically what future stars look like in their rookie years, however.

For instance, Kevin Durant shot only 42.7 percent from the floor and 29.8 percent from three in averaging 20.3 points per game during his rookie season. In his second season, Durant averaged 25.3 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting overall and 42.2 percent from three.

It is impossible to expect Banchero to be Durant. But it merely displays how much more efficient players can get after even just one year in the NBA.

Orlando is expecting Banchero to take a step up in efficiency this year. And a big part of that will be the improvement in his 3-point shot.

If Banchero can develop a good-looking three-pointer from both a consistency and accuracy standpoint, his game on the offensive end will evolve immensely.