Paolo Banchero

Poised and prepared to use the spotlight of the 2024 NBA Playoffs to both showcase their bright future and become household names, Paolo Banchero and the youthful Orlando Magic continue to prove that they only require one stipulation to make the “magic” happen: a game in front of their home crowd. With the list of environments that Banchero has thrived in growing larger with each passing week, the first-time All-Star readies himself for the biggest obstacle yet, with Orlando clinging to a three-point lead, its season on the line, and three minutes remaining. Wasting no time in putting pressure on Cleveland’s transition defense, Banchero uses a pick-and-roll before veering into the lane, gearing up for an at-the-rim battle against All-Defensive Team selection Evan Mobley. Mixing power and balance with a nifty spin move, Banchero absorbs the contact, balancing himself enough to drop in an and-one bucket, bringing the arena to its feet. With a 10-point takeover in the final frame, Banchero helped Orlando — 29-12 at home in the regular season and undefeated throughout the postseason — force a Game Seven with a series-tying win on May 3, 2024. Veteran-like even during his first-ever playoff run, Banchero was marvelous in Game Six, with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two triples.