Paolo Banchero is shaking things up in Orlando. Orlando’s Only Hope, the young forward has made waves with an impressive season, boasting averages of 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. He’s proving to be more than just another player — he’s a genuine game-changer. With his rapid rise, the Orlando Magic are daring to dream big for the 2024-25 season, pinning their hopes on Banchero’s versatile offensive prowess to finally lift the team out of their 12-year slump at the bottom of the league’s offensive rankings.
Why Paolo Banchero Could Be Orlando’s Only Hope!
The Magic were one of the league’s most improved teams last season, but here’s the kicker: their defensive gains far outshone their offensive ones. Sure, they made some strides offensively, jumping from a measly 111.3 points per 100 possessions to 112.9. But their defense? It skyrocketed, with a jump of 2.9 points per 100 possessions. It’s clear — defense has been their bread and butter, but to make a real impact, their offense needs a serious boost.
Paolo Banchero: The New Hope for Orlando’s Offense
Orlando’s offensive resurrection could very well start with Banchero. In just two seasons, he has gone from being the Kia Rookie of the Year to an NBA All-Star. He dominates the ball with a high usage rate, but there’s a catch: while he’s been exceptional in isolation plays, his shooting off the dribble has been, let’s say, less than stellar. Among 101 players with over 100 isolation plays, Banchero ranks just 53rd in efficiency. His pull-up jumper is also a work in progress — he ranks 41st out of 56 players in field goal percentage for pull-ups. It’s high time he refines that jump shot!
Off the Ball Moves: The Hidden Secret
While Banchero has been good with the ball, there’s a twist: he might be even better off it. When he plays as a roll man or takes spot-up shots, his efficiency has improved notably. Last season, his points per possession as a roll man jumped from 0.89 to 0.95, and on spot-up shots, from 0.86 to 1.03. With more movement, Banchero could unlock a whole new dimension to his game. Yet, here’s a harsh truth: Orlando ranked 24th in both ball and player movement last season. This needs to change.
The Playmaking Dilemma
Banchero isn’t just a scorer — he’s also the Magic’s primary playmaker. He led his team in possession time, showing growth in his assists and decision-making. But let’s not sugarcoat it: a lot of his assists are still basic. To elevate his game, he needs to become a more creative playmaker, finding those sneaky passes that break defenses wide open. If he can do that, the Magic’s offensive woes might just become a thing of the past.
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