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Magic Postseason Profile: Paolo Banchero Best Rookie Season Since LeBron James?
ORLANDO - Blake Griffin, Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, Larry Johnson, Larry Bird, Walter David.
And now officially Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero.
That list makes up every first-year player since the NBA-ABA merger that has averaged at least 19 points, six rebounds and three assists - per ESPN.
The common denominator among the six players listed above Banchero? Each won Rookie of the Year in their respective seasons.
Over 72 games this year, Banchero averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists, while posting shooting splits of 42.7/29.8/73.8 - nearly identical to the rookie numbers of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
"You don't ever think about it during the season," Banchero said in Monday's exit interview. "But once the season's over and you see your accomplishments, what you were able to do and you put it in perspective with a guy like LeBron James, it definitely means something, especially with him being one of my favorite players growing up."
Among qualified rookies, Banchero led the way in points, while ranking fourth in rebounding and third in assists. Additionally, the No. 1 pick also finished first among first-year players in 25/5/5 (four) and 30-point games (six).
Outside of his frigid shooting over the month of February, which he attributed to a pinched nerve in his neck, there weren't many down moments for Banchero over his first career season.
A three-time Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month recipient, Banchero finished the regular season as the overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
"It would mean everything," Banchero said on winning the award. "It's been something I've wanted to do for a while. Worked really hard for and just wanted to come out this year and be the best rookie, but also help my team win and have a good effect in terms of wins and just overall success. Hopefully I'm able to win and if I am it'll be a blessing. "
If Banchero is awarded, he will be the third rookie in team history (Shaquille O'Neal '93 and Mike Miller '01) to win.
This season's Rookie of the Year winner will be announced on April 23rd.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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