With injuries sidelining key players, Banchero leans on his teammates’ continued strong play to find his rhythm and lead the Magic.
The Orlando Magic struggled early in the season, and things could have worsened when Paolo Banchero went down with an injury. However, the team caught fire and surged to first place in their division during Banchero’s 10-game absence. Unfortunately, just as Banchero returned, Franz Wagner suffered an injury expected to sideline him until at least the new year. With Wagner out, Banchero has quickly resumed his leadership role, a transition coach Jamahl Mosley says he’s handling well.
"Coming back from being out for quite some time, taking the time to find the rhythm within the group,” Mosley said about Banchero since returning. “Just continue to find that rhythm and move his minutes up a little more so he can get that rhythm throughout the game."
For Banchero, the recovery is a gradual process, but he’s seizing every opportunity to get back up to speed. While not fully satisfied with his shooting performance, he’s proud of the other progress he’s made on the court.
"I’m feeling good—feeling better every game. Not really thinking as much about the injury. I started a little slow but got involved more as the game went on,” Banchero said. “Made a run at the end of the third, got up two. Game kind of got out of our hands from there. Not happy with 0-for-7 from three, but I got to the rim pretty well, want to get to the line more, a little loose with the ball at times. I’ve been feeling better every game and hopefully can continue to find my spots and play within the team."
As the team’s leader, Banchero has the full support of his teammates, including new addition Desmond Bane, who has been a key factor in the Magic’s rise to the top of the standings, as he works to regain comfort on the court.
"He’s definitely trending in the right direction. I like the way he’s come back—balancing being aggressive and making plays for teammates. He’s been hustling on defense and rebounding. Definitely opportunities for us to get creative to allow him to carry us and be himself."
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