ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero just needed the first two games of the preseason to get a feel for things and adjust to the competition level of the NBA.
Now, he believes he is settled in with the Orlando Magic.
The No. 1 pick produced 17 points, nine rebounds and two assists on Tuesday to help the Magic to a 109-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished by shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line in 27 minutes of work.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley can see improvement in Banchero.
We said it from the beginning that it’s going to be about these young guys growing and getting better. He is growing each game. He has gotten better. He has slowed the game down. He has recognized reads and our coaches do a great job with him helping him recognize those things.
Banchero totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists over the first two preseason games. He has since tallied 38 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and one steal over the Magic’s last two games heading into their preseason finale on Friday.
He can feel the game starting to slow down, which has helped him turn the corner. He is playing his brand of basketball, which is exactly how he wants to approach games this season.
I’m just getting more comfortable. Those first two games were more just seeing how the game is played and seeing how it’s going to be. After that San Antonio game, I said, ‘I’m good now.’ That is just how I’ve been playing and I come in trying to play free and trying to play my game and try and play to win.
The difference in play can be attributed to film study and a strong work ethic. He is often one of the first players at the practice facility each day and one of the last to leave. Between sitting with the coaching staff going over film or putting up extra shots, Banchero is eager to improve.
That has resonated with Wendell Carter Jr.
He comes from a culture where they win over at Duke. With me going to Duke, I knew what it took: Watching film, getting in the gym, coming back to the gym at night. I see that in Paolo and it translates very nicely to the game. He goes into the game and plays the right way. He plays to win.
That is something you can definitely appreciate. With me now being in my fifth year in the league, that is something I can definitely see: ‘Oh, man. A rookie coming in, he is just playing to win. The No. 1 draft pick is coming in to win.’ That is amazing to see.
Banchero enters the season with high expectations as the top pick. He seemingly welcomes the pressure that comes with the territory, and is eager to prove himself. He will certainly have his fair share of ups and downs but looks to be prepared to learn from those moments.
Orlando wraps up the preseason on Friday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire