????PAOLO POSTER???? @OrlandoMagic | #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/DZxRmSLBV6
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) October 20, 2022
PAOLO HAS ARRIVED
Since his arrival in the City Beautiful, Orlando’s young star has made his presence felt around the league without actually speaking much. Before his first NBA game, the soft-spoken Paolo Banchero had already been chosen as an heir-apparent to Jordan, and lauded as the future of the league. No pressure. Tonight in Detroit, Paolo’s game spoke louder than any interview soundbite, or press release.
In the first 48 minutes of his professional career, Paolo scored 27 points, the most ever by a Magic rookie in their NBA debut. For good measure, the rookie also racked up nine rebounds and five assists, becoming the fifth player since the merger, and the first player since LeBron James (2003), to record a 25-five-five performance in their first NBA game. Only players to be drafted as the No. 1 pick to score 25+, with 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in their debut? Lebron, Kareem, and Paolo.
“A moment that you’ve been working for my whole life – trying to get to this point right here. It’s definitely a milestone. I’m proud of myself for getting here. But also, this is the start. It’s not the end. You just have to come in and be prepared, be ready and play our best, play my hardest.”
MAGICAL SEASON AHEAD
Despite the No. 1 pick’s record breaking debut, the Orlando Magic fell 113-109, in the season opener. And while we wanted a win, a huge part of being a Magic fan is celebrating progress. And, Banchero & Co., gave Magic fans plenty to be excited about. For instance, Franz Wagner’s game continues to develop, as he contributed 20 points to the offensive effort for the Magic.
In fact, as explained by Head Coach Jamahl Mosely post-game, self-inflicted mistakes are the only reason the win proved out of reach for his squad. Frustrating enough: the Magic held the biggest lead of the entire game, but costly fouls and youthful mistakes in transition proved the hardest opposition of the entire night. On talent alone, the Orlando Magic will have the biggest turnaround from last year’s results.
Now, to be clear: no one in Central Florida should be mentioning a magical return to the NBA playoffs yet.
But, that doesn’t mean we can’t can watch this team gel, fix mistakes, and muse about the endless possibilities. As the Magic regroup for a trip to Atlanta, fans also anticipate the return of Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac and Moe Wagner to a line up that’s already good enough to win.
Opening Night is Saturday, vs. Boston.
