Potential superstars should not participate in the extended Summer League, but the Orlando Magic have announced that they have a future All-Star on their hands in Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero.
After just two games in Vegas, Orlando ended Banchero’s summer exhibitions. However, the organization made this decision just hours before the No. 1 overall pick was set to face off against Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Some fans and pundits applauded the choice, while others hoped the organization had allowed NBA fans to witness the highly anticipated Monday night battle between its two young stars for the first time professionally.
The Magic shut down RJ Hampton and Admiral Schofield for the occasion, citing their desire to see other players receive more playing time for the balance of the week and adequately assess who might benefit the team in the G-League this season.
Holmgren finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds on 7 of 10 shooting from the field as Oklahoma City prevailed, 84-81.
In his final Summer League game, Paolo Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while playing against players like Keegan Murray and Jabari Smith, the third and fourth overall picks.
Paolo Banchero is not sidelined for the remainder of the summer due to an injury.
Following Saturday’s victory over the Sacramento Kings, the No. 1 overall pick was spotted receiving treatment for his lower leg, but it was later discovered that the former Duke Blue Devils player had merely had a minor cut on his toe.
Due to foot pain, AJ Griffin, a teammate of Banchero’s from Duke, has yet to participate in two games for the Atlanta Hawks in Las Vegas, while the other rookie Blue Devils, Mark Williams, Wendell Moore, and Trevor Keels, are still on the court with their respective clubs.
The NBA has not yet revealed its regular-season schedule for 2022–2023; nonetheless, Paolo Banchero’s official debut will be the subject of increasing excitement in the late summer and early fall.
