Here’s the hard truth: Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic are still searching for their moment of greatness. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite the setbacks, there’s a growing debate about whether Banchero is truly the linchpin of the team’s success.
This season was supposed to be the turning point for both Banchero and the Magic, a chance for them to rise together. Yet, as we approach the midpoint of their schedule, the reality is more complicated. Yes, the Magic are still in the playoff hunt, sitting at 16-13, but that’s just one win more than last season’s pace. And Banchero? He hasn’t quite made the leap everyone expected. His stats—20.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game—look solid on paper, but they’re actually a step back from his previous seasons. His 3-point shooting, in particular, has plummeted to a career-low 23.7 percent. And this is the part most people miss—injuries have played a massive role in his struggles, from last season’s torn oblique to this year’s groin strain, which sidelined him for 10 games.
‘It was definitely a setback,’ Banchero admitted to The Athletic. ‘Nothing major, but frustrating. I’m just focused on getting back to my best.’ He showed glimpses of that in a recent game against the Warriors, dropping 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. But it wasn’t enough, especially with key players like Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs out with injuries. The Magic lost, and questions linger.
Here’s the twist: Orlando has a better record (7-3) in games Banchero has missed compared to when he’s played (9-10). Is Banchero overrated? Some might argue yes, but the truth is more nuanced. The team’s success without him isn’t a knock on his talent—it’s a testament to the Magic’s depth. Wagner is their two-way star, Desmond Bane is their clutch shooter, and Suggs is the energy catalyst. When healthy, the starting lineup of Suggs, Bane, Wagner, Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. outscores opponents by 18.0 points per 100 possessions, rivaling even the Thunder’s top lineup.
But here’s the real debate—do Banchero and Wagner work better apart? Their offensive styles are eerily similar, both thriving when attacking the rim but struggling from three. Banchero dismisses the idea outright. ‘That’s bull—,’ he said bluntly. ‘We’re at our strongest together.’ Yet, the numbers suggest otherwise—the team’s ball movement seems smoother when only one of them is on the court. What do you think? Is Banchero right, or is there merit to the criticism?
Despite the noise, Banchero remains a passing phenom, assisting on 21.2 percent of his teammates’ made shots. ‘There’s not much he can’t do,’ said Carter. But his shooting woes persist, with his 3-point percentage dipping to 21.9 percent since his return. Many of his shots are falling short, a sign he’s still regaining his strength after injury. Yet, there’s reason for hope. Last season, he bounced back from a similar injury to average nearly 30 points in the playoffs. With a healthier roster, Banchero could thrive with less defensive pressure.
The Magic’s season isn’t over—far from it. But their success hinges on two things: staying healthy and Banchero finding his rhythm. ‘You feel the weight of expectations,’ he said, ‘but you just want to play the game you love.’ Here’s the question for you—can Banchero and the Magic finally break through, or will injuries and inconsistencies hold them back? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
