It solely took Paolo Banchero two campaigns within the NBA to steer the Magic again into the playoffs, and after his first style of the massive stage, he assured everybody that he’s discovered his fair proportion of precious classes. Not solely did he witness firsthand the fierce competitors and depth in postseason, but additionally how an error can price you a whole sport.
Nonetheless, throughout Orlando’s Media Day, he appeared satisfied of studying the significance of getting homecourt throughout playoff motion. The younger star witnessed his crew begin off 3-0 of their first spherical sequence in opposition to Cleveland, however consequently misplaced all of their 4 video games performed on the street.
“Homecourt is essential, particularly whenever you get to the playoffs,” he assured. “All of us noticed the distinction between having it and never having it – in these residence video games and what they felt like and in these street video games and what they felt like. It was evening and day. So, now that we all know that, throughout the common season, we’ll have the foresight that we’re not simply taking part in sport by sport. We’re attempting to play and construct as much as April, in order that we will get homecourt.”
Paolo Banchero spoke about his need to deliver a championship to Orlando:
“Undoubtedly advancing within the playoffs, moving into the Japanese Finals. However ultimately it’s successful championships. Orlando, the place I’m at has by no means gained a championship, so I wanna be the primary” pic.twitter.com/Zj7oYq9gaz
— Fawzan Amer (@FAmer__) October 2, 2024
The Florida membership had missed out on postseason motion for three-consecutive years, earlier than Paolo led his squad again into competition. One of many essential causes behind this success, was as a result of the truth that the Magic made their area their very own fortress, securing the Japanese Convention’s third-best residence file (17-0).
To be actual, the Orlando squad loved an ideal 17-0 on the Kia Heart when taking part in in opposition to sub-.300 competitors. Regardless of being eradicated 3-4 within the first spherical of the playoffs, they had been nonetheless capable of stay unbeaten at residence in opposition to the Cavaliers.
Banchero was the primary one to acknowledge that the entrance workplace did an important job sustaining the squad’s core for this subsequent season, whereas including some strategic gamers. Not solely did the Magic deliver again massive males Goga Bitadze and Moe Wagner, together with guard Gary Harris, in addition they prolonged Jonathan Isaac and Franz Wagner.
“They did an important job,” he additionally mentioned about buying Cory Joseph and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. “Conserving a lot of the guys collectively. Bringing everyone again, for essentially the most half. And including veteran management and guys which are going to return in and assist instantly. KCP and Cory, these two guys, being round them as a lot as I’ve now, I believe they’re going to assist tremendously on and off the ground.”
Banchero revealed that he’s been determined for the season to start out since August and shared his impressions on his latest teammates in Orlando
After a effectively rested summer season, which served no worldwide duties for the third-year participant, Banchero admitted that since August he couldn’t await the brand new season to start out. The 21-year-old is keen to develop his stat line after an already profitable second season with averages of 27.0 factors, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per match.
“It feels nice,” Paolo mentioned at this week’s coaching camp. “It feels just like the offseason was actually lengthy. By the tip of August, I used to be itching to get again right here. I’m completely happy I’m again now. I’m completely happy all the fellows are within the constructing. I’m excited for coaching camp, for positive.”
The younger guard talked about how impressed he was with assembly his new teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has already earned titles with two totally different franchises. Banchero acknowledged that his mindset units him other than the remainder of the squad, and there might be loads to study from his expertise.
“KCP, particularly, simply taking part in in opposition to him my first two years, he’s a man that you just’re glad to have in your crew,” the Magic star mentioned. “Simply with how he shoots it and the way he defends. He’s additionally a type of guys that’s very vocal. He’s a frontrunner (and) he’s gained a few championships in the previous couple of years. So, he’s going to assist us loads as a result of he is aware of what it takes to get to the highest.”
