Who's Most Exciting Magic Player?
Orlando Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Bol Bol have given new definition to what players at their size can do, flaunting versatile play on both ends of the floor. They've shined in Orlando in a season that has seen encouraging growth from their young nucleus, and have caught the attention of the NBA media.
The Ringer ranked Banchero No. 20 and Bol No. 24 on their NBA League Pass Value Player Rankings based on nightly entertainment value, and said this about the former:
"If Paolo needs to get to a certain spot on the floor then he is going to get to that spot. His effectiveness lies at the intersection of his huge frame and his ability to dust guys in isolation. The handle’s already tight. The off-the-bounce plus in-air body control at that height and weight is just really rare. He is where things are headed. So much shake and he’s supersized. Smooth at getting to his pull up. Happy to bully. Mainly unhurried. The kind of on-ball game that inspires language like PAOLO BANCHERO HESI ISO POWER SLAM!!! Already ho-humming his way through off-the-bounce iso buckets over PJ Tucker and stepback, side step 3s off the dribble."
Banchero is on pace to join elite company as he's averaging 20.0 points per game as a rookie. He can score from any area on the court and fills the lane in Orlando's fast break. His gifted offensive arsenal puts fans in seats on a nightly basis.
Bol was given high remarks for his play as well, specifically "going coast to coast is [pounds table] delightful, and one of the best shows in basketball right now."
Bol has been demoted to a reserve role over his last 35 games played, but has continued to be a unicorn for coach Jamahl Mosley. At 7-2, the University of Oregon product can bring the ball up the floor and use his handles to get to his spots.
With a 7-8 wingspan, Bol utilizes a low crossover to position him for threes and midrange jump-shots that cannot be contested. Nimble with his footwork, he does what only a handful of players at his size have ever done on the highest stage, and looks to be an integral part of the Magic franchise along with Banchero moving forward.
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