Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero Points to Key Offseason Improvement

As the Orlando Magic gear up for the 2026-27 NBA season, All-Star forward Paolo Banchero is doing what he can to be the best version of himself.

Banchero has turned into one of the most promising young talents in the Association, but for the Magic to reach new heights, he has to be better in every facet. This summer, Banchero has trained tirelessly to make sure that he can live up to those expectations.

In a recent episode of the Stephen A. Smith show, Banchero talked at length about what his offseason has looked like. In Smith’s view, a player with Banchero’s level of talent and production might have trouble finding more to work on, but Banchero has a specific focus.

"I mean, I think the biggest thing is just to be in elite shape," Banchero said. "You know, I think the last two seasons I've dealt with a little bit of injuries. And so, being in elite shape and making sure my body is ready for the grind of the season, ready to go the distance and get in my mind. 

"You know, challenging my mind with workouts and certain things I'm doing," he added. "Conditioning and just trying to, you know, be bulletproof almost, if I can. You know, obviously I do play really well in the playoffs, but it hasn't been enough."

During the Magic’s first-round series playoff loss to the Detroit Pistons last season, in which they squandered a 3-1 lead, Banchero averaged 26.3 points and nine rebounds. His big performances came in Game 5 and Game 7, when he scored 45 points and 38 points, respectively. 

"And so, that's always on my mind is that, you know, regardless of the numbers and some of the games I've had, you know, it still hasn't been enough to advance," Banchero said. "So, it's a lot more work for me to do. And that's just been my mindset.

"You know, I'm kind of starting, you know, back from zero I feel like, you know," he added. "I think, you know, we have to take the next step. I have to take the next step. And so, I'm just putting that pressure on myself. Not, not in a bad way, in a good way."

While the Magic possess a talented core group featuring Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs, Banchero is the face of the franchise. The Magic will go as far as his potential will allow, and that is why it is on him to continue growing and refining his game.

Banchero only missed 10 games last season, but at times, he did not look like himself. It will be worth watching to see if, under new head coach Sean Sweeney, he recaptures his capabilities and more.

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