Magic rookie Paolo Banchero getting more comfortable each game
Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero on Friday said he continues to get more comfortable each game, and that resulted in his finest performance yet of the preseason.
Banchero produced a team-high 19 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal in a 110-105 win over the Dallas Mavericks as the Magic improved to 2-1 this preseason. He finished by shooting 6-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range, in 21 minutes of work.
The top pick totaled 17 points over his first two preseason games but found success on Friday versus the Mavericks. He has seemingly shaken off the early jitters and is playing his style of basketball.
I’m really comfortable. Every game so far I feel like I’ve made a huge step in every game. That is really encouraging for me because I’m going out there not trying to force or press, I’m letting the game come to me. The more comfortable I get, the more natural it starts to feel. A lot of it is just me staying under control and doing what I know how to do.
The Magic had two days of practice canceled last week because of Hurricane Ian, which set them back a bit. They very much looked like a team that had limited practice time in their first preseason game on Monday after turning the ball over 25 times versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
The team has since been able to string together several practices, along with two additional games. It has enabled Banchero and the rest of the team the opportunity to get into a rhythm on and off the court, something that head coach Jamahl Mosley is happy to see.
I think it is great for them to recognize the routine that they need to have. (With a back-to-back), they will understand what that feels like. The practices before we fly and understanding how to do that so the rhythm of when they’re waking up, when they’re going to sleep, the treatment they’ll need, the lifting they’ll need. It is going to be great for them to keep learning the process of becoming a professional.
Mosley has preached to the team to continue moving forward and try not to make up for lost time. They view the preseason games as an extension of training camp and an opportunity to continue to implement their system and rotations.
Rookies don’t often start getting really comfortable on the court until several games into the regular season when the game starts to slow down for them. Mosley believes that process has started a bit for Banchero through three preseason games.
We saw him in summer league and a couple of preseason games but just his ability to read the game and slow down. He is recognizing those reads and as he sees different coverages and different ways teams are playing him, he is able to pick his spots when he can go and not go and where he can find the open pass.
The Magic have two more preseason games before their regular season schedule tips off on Oct. 19 in Detroit. The players on the team will have the opportunity to continue to knock off the rust and get ready for the season as they look to have an improved 2022-23 campaign.
Orlando plays the Grizzlies again on Tuesday at home.
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