Magic's Paolo Banchero 'Combination of Carmelo, LeBron and Tatum', Says Coach
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic head coach Jahmahl Mosely sees combinations of superstars games in reigning rookie of the year Paolo Banchero, one of which is the greatest player of his generation, LeBron James.
"Paolo is a combination of Carmelo (Anthony), LeBron, and (Jayson) Tatum. There are different combinations of things they possess," Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "The passing skills. The ability to score in different areas. The power that they possess."
In his rookie season with the Magic, Paolo averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He also posted shooting splits of 42.7/29.8/73.8, eerily similar to the production of current Los Angeles Lakers star back during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2003/04 season.
As a 19-year-old rookie, 'King James' averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists with shooting splits of 41.7/29/75.4, nearly identical to what Paolo did in his first season, just a year younger due to his high school draft eligibility.
Paolo Banchero's rookie season with the Orlando Magic was nearly identical to that of LeBron James in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
David Butler II & Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Whether or not Paolo can continue to improve and sustain his career at an equal trajectory to LeBron remains to be proven. Still, he already proved during his rookie season in Orlando that he was just as good out the gate as 2003's No. 1 overall pick.
Regarding the comparisons to Anthony and Tatum, Magic fans would welcome the idea of Paolo ascending to All-NBA status but shudder at the thought that his career could be filled with heartbreak in the playoffs, considering that neither has won an NBA championship.
While it's fun to compare a young star like Paolo to veterans and project their potential based on shared skillsets as Mosley did, it's also important that Orlando fans remember their second-year player has his own career to carve out. It could be completely different than the names mentioned by his coach, though hopefully, it comes with similar accolades.
