Full of goals, Paolo Banchero likes to silence his opponents

Only 20 years old, Paolo Banchero he is currently starting his NBA career on a personal level. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 Draft, he averaged 21.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists and is the favorite for the 2023 MVP title.

In general, the situation may not be so good because Magical It ranks 13th in the Eastern Conference, but the former Duke native’s lone individual performances serve to make him smile again, as his detractors don’t have much to decry as he thrives in his transition between the NCAA and the NCAA. NBA.

” People had their doubts, whether they watched the games or not, they already had clear opinions [sur moi] “, he launches in the columns of Yahoo! Sports. ” But playing in college is something else. You have to make sacrifices. I was still the best player on the team, but I had to adapt and adapt my game to the team. We had three or four other professional players and coach K wanted me to play a certain shape. »

Some criticisms are engraved in his mind…

It is clear that Paolo Banchero, who is very careful about what is said about him, did not appreciate the comments he read and heard about his defense, for example.

” The most frustrating thing was what I heard about my defense “, he also confirms. ” People tried to make me look like a weak person on defense, which I have never been in my life. Of course, there are times when you fall asleep away from the ball, let a player behind you, but then attack me the whole game and expose me like that? No no. »

But Paolo Banchero’s supposed defensive qualities weren’t the only topic some observers mentioned.Orlando…

” People also talked about my potential, the level I could reach “, he adds in this regard. ” It was also very frustrating for me because I’m the same age as the other guys in my Draft. And because I’m more physically developed, because my game is more mature, they said I can’t go further. So my potential would not be as high as the players who are as talented as me and not as talented? It doesn’t make sense. »

Move forward so you don’t lose sight of your goals

After almost three months of competition, Paolo Banchero has now established himself as the top player ahead of Benedict Mathurin, Jaden Ivey and Keegan Murray. Full of attack and fairly solid defense, American-Italian evenings enjoy evenings, or almost, rarely, evenings without.

However, despite showing very good individual statistics, the Seattle native believes that there is still a lot to improve and polish in his game, as evidenced by his recent struggles in December.

” I feel like I’m still very rough in many areas “, he judges. ” It may not seem like it to the average person, but I know I’m far from where I should be. I still have a lot of work to do. »

Paolo Banchero, praised one-on-one by LeBron James and Kevin Durant, has what it takes to be part of the cream of the league.

However, that’s not the end in itself for the Magic’s long-toothed rookie, who wants to become an All-Star, NBA champion and Hall of Famer as soon as possible before his career ends. the end. Having already achieved one of his main goals, which is to be 1st in the Draft, and now on his way to achieving another goal, which is the title of Rookie of the Year…