All-Star forward Banchero adds more success in fueling Magic’s balanced-scoring win at T-Wolves

After weeks of waiting, Paolo Banchero had to wait even further Thursday night to find out whether or not he had been picked as an NBA All-Star.

The Magic forward eventually heard his name called after the crew of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” went through nearly the entire list of reserves for the West and East, which was chosen by coaches.

Banchero was the last All-Star to be revealed — something that didn’t surprise the second-year pro who’s been on a tear for Orlando this season.

“I didn’t want it to go that way but I had a feeling it was going to,” Banchero said after the announcement was finally made. “But I can’t complain. I’m just happy that I’m an All-Star.”

When “Inside the NBA” host Ernie Johnson read out Banchero’s name, the reigning Rookie of the Year was bombarded by his Magic teammates as Orlando watched together inside a conference room at the team hotel in Minnesota as shown in a video released by the franchise.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way, especially on the road,” Banchero said. “Getting a chance for us all to experience that together was huge. That’s how it’s been since I got here — everybody’s been together. They embraced me from the second I got drafted.”

He became the ninth player in Magic history to be named an NBA All-Star, joining Shaquille O’Neal (1993-96), Anfernee Hardaway (’95-98), Tracy McGrady (2001-04), Grant Hill (’01, ’05), Dwight Howard (’07-12), Rashard Lewis (’09), Jameer Nelson (’09) and Nikola Vučević (’19, ’21).

The NBA All-Star Game will take place on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, airing on TNT.

Perhaps even more impressively, Banchero joined O’Neal — who’s getting his jersey retired by the Magic on Feb. 13 — as the only players in franchise history to be named Rookie of the Year and then named an All-Star the following season.

In only Year 2, Paolo Banchero becomes Magic’s 9th NBA All-Star

It’s another box checked for Banchero less than two years after the Duke product was drafted No. 1 overall by Orlando.

“That’s what just makes it so crazy to me,” he said. “Two or three years ago, you set these goals and then when you start to knock them off one by one … That’s what you’re working for in the offseason and the downtime that you have. That’s all you’re thinking about.

“When you actually see it come true and you accomplish it, it just makes you even more proud of yourself but also wanting more and want to set more goals. But this is a big one.”

Banchero and the Magic (26-23) were fully healthy for the first time in months entering Friday’s contest at Minnesota (34-15).

Gary Harris (right calf strain) was upgraded from probable to available ahead of the game, marking his first game back after missing 14 consecutive contests.

The Timberwolves previously beat the Magic in Orlando by 21 points on Jan. 9 when Jamahl Mosley’s squad was severely shorthanded. That night at Kia Center, the Magic were without forward Franz Wagner, center Wendell Carter Jr., big man Jonathan Isaac, Harris and veteran forward Joe Ingles.

All were available Friday against the Timberwolves, who entered the contest atop the West. The Magic started Markelle Fultz (10 points), Jalen Suggs (15), Wagner (19), Banchero (game-high 23) and Carter (18) for just the ninth time this season.

Minnesota opened with All-Stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns alongside center Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley.

Since Banchero’s arrival, the Magic have turned things around on the court. During his rookie campaign, Orlando recorded 12 more victories than the previous season.

This year the Magic are winning at an even faster pace, largely due to their newest All-Star. Banchero has led (or tied) the Magic in scoring 26 times, in rebounding 15 times and in assists 22 times.

Orlando won its 25th game on Wednesday at San Antonio in its 48th outing of the season. The Magic did not record their 25th victory last season until Feb. 23 — in their 60th game.

“We’ve had a lot more success this year,” Banchero said. “Whatever goals we have, we can reach them. As long as we stick together, do what’s best for the team and win as many games as we can, everyone’s going to get what they deserve.”

Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X, known as Twitter, at @therealBeede.