Magic PF Paolo Banchero Still on Top of NBA Rookie Ladder?
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has fit the bill as a No. 1 overall pick.
Because of this, he continues to lead the way in NBA.com's Rookie Ladder.
The Duke University product is leading the pack behind 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Nipping at his heels have been Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (No. 2) and Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (No. 4) for much of the 2022-23 campaign -- both of whom have produced impressive seasons in their own right.
However, Banchero has shone through and through and has earned the trust of teammates, coach Jamahl Mosley and the fans in the city of Orlando.
That trust has been forged through productivity on both ends of the floor. Aside from flirting with a triple-double and boasting his two highest assist totals in two of his last six games, there isn't a major statistical category that doesn't have the last name Banchero written in it's top 10.
He leads all rookies in minutes played, and adds to his rookie lead in scoring by placing No. 4 in rebounds, No. 3 in assists, No. 6 in steals, No. 10 in blocks and No. 4 in double-doubles.
Additionally, he has shown the ability to switch on multiple positions out of the pick-and-roll and dribble hand-offs, and despite a 6-10 frame, moves his feet well laterally. His stellar play has given the Magic a real sense of direction as they look to put the finishing touches on their rebuild.
Barring a catastrophic flameout, Banchero all but has the Rookie of the Year honors on lock, and will without a doubt be named to one of the All-Rookie teams later this Spring.
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