The Magic Insider

Magic PF Paolo Banchero 'Super Confident', Says Former NBA Vet Sebastian Telfair

Paolo Banchero earned the praise from Sebastian Telfair after leading the Orlando Magic to a likely playoff berth.

Jeremy Brener

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ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero hasn't met former NBA point guard Sebastian Telfair, but the second-year pro has his respect.

On the latest episode of the "All The Smoke" podcast with Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Telfair was asked about who is the player to watch in the next wave of top prospects, and he mentioned Banchero.

Paolo Banchero
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

"He's super confident, he's doing everything, he's trying everything," Telfair said of Banchero. "He look like he's going to the top for sure. ... I ain't expect anything from Orlando, and now you gotta strap it up against Orlando."

Banchero has been stellar for the Magic this season, averaging 22.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a second-year player. He is far from his prime, but when LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant retire, Banchero could step in as one of the top players in the league.

It remains to be seen how far Banchero will lead the Magic this season, but considering it only took him two years to bring relevancy back to Orlando, the future is extremely bright in central Florida.

Magic 'Fun to Watch' in Win vs. Nets, Says Mosley

Banchero and the Magic are back in action tomorrow night at home in a rematch against the Toronto Raptors. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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