The Orlando Magic's season started out poorly but the team has turned it around, posting a 20-17 record and in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite multiple injuries to their star players, Orlando continues to fight even with the disappointing campaign from one of their best players.
Bleacher Report released an article, ranking the five most overrated players in the NBA. On the list is Magic forward Paolo Banchero. He is ranked at No. 2 ahead of Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain and behind Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball.
"Before Magic fans get too up in arms, please know this is painful to write as one of the card-carrying members of the Banchero Believers," the article wrote. "It's just that once you start poking past the draft pedigree (No. 1 in 2022), the impressive volume production and all of the powerful finishes, you start noticing how you're coming up empty in your search for star-level efficiency and impact. The 23-year-old's shooting touch has never developed, and at this rate, it's more than fair to wonder if it ever will. He's never shot 46 percent from the field, 34 percent from three or 76 percent from the line. For reference, this season's average shooting rates are 47, 36 and 78.8, respectively."
Banchero's numbers this season have been underwhelming to say the least. Along with his inconsistent shooting splits, the star forward missed time earlier this season with a groin injury after missing a good chunk of last season. Advanced statistics rank Banchero among some of the most inconsistent shooters in the entire NBA.
"If the campaign closed today, his 54.3 true shooting percentage would be the second-worst of his career," the article added. "He seems like a star by name recognition, but the numbers just aren't buying it. Estimated plus-minus, for instance, slots him in the 77th percentile, a perch shared with Tyler Kolek and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Banchero's .090 win shares per 48 minutes rank 131st overall, a few spots back of Anfernee Simons, Miles Bridges and Quinten Post. Banchero's blend of size and ball skills make you want to believe there's so much more coming, and maybe there will be at some point. But the fact none of these potential upgrades have materialized help explain why he recently snagged a spot on John Hollinger's All-Disappointment Team over at The Athletic."
Banchero is still young and will have the opportunity to rebound. As a former All-Star, he could get his career back on track with more efficient shooting numbers.
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