Paolo Banchero is hoping to safe Orlando’s homecourt this season

It solely took Paolo Banchero two campaigns within the NBA to steer the Magic again into the playoffs, and after his first style of the large stage, he assured everybody that he’s discovered his justifiable share of beneficial classes. Not solely did he witness firsthand the fierce competitors and depth in postseason, but additionally how an error can value you a whole recreation. 

Nevertheless, throughout Orlando’s Media Day, he appeared satisfied of studying the significance of getting homecourt throughout playoff motion. The younger star witnessed his workforce begin off 3-0 of their first spherical collection in opposition to Cleveland, however consequently misplaced all of their 4 video games performed on the street.

“Homecourt is essential, particularly if you get to the playoffs,” he assured. “All of us noticed the distinction between having it and never having it – in these house video games and what they felt like and in these street video games and what they felt like. It was night time and day. So, now that we all know that, throughout the common season, we’ll have the foresight that we’re not simply taking part in recreation by recreation. We’re attempting to play and construct as much as April, in order that we will get homecourt.”

Paolo Banchero spoke about his want to carry a championship to Orlando:

“Undoubtedly advancing within the playoffs, entering into the Japanese Finals. However ultimately it’s successful championships. Orlando, the place I’m at has by no means received a championship, so I wanna be the primary” pic.twitter.com/Zj7oYq9gaz

— Fawzan Amer (@FAmer__) October 2, 2024

The Florida membership had missed out on postseason motion for three-consecutive years, earlier than Paolo led his squad again into competition. One of many important causes behind this success, was attributable to the truth that the Magic made their enviornment their very own fortress, securing the Japanese Convention’s third-best house report (17-0).

To be precise, the Orlando squad loved an ideal 17-0 on the Kia Middle when taking part in in opposition to sub-.300 competitors. Regardless of being eradicated 3-4 within the first spherical of the playoffs, they had been nonetheless in a position to stay unbeaten at house in opposition to the Cavaliers.

Banchero was the primary one to acknowledge that the entrance workplace did a fantastic job sustaining the squad’s core for this subsequent season, whereas including some strategic gamers. Not solely did the Magic carry again huge males Goga Bitadze and Moe Wagner, together with guard Gary Harris, additionally they prolonged Jonathan Isaac and Franz Wagner.

“They did a fantastic job,” he additionally stated about buying Cory Joseph and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. “Retaining a lot of the guys collectively. Bringing all people again, for essentially the most half. And including veteran management and guys which can be going to come back in and assist instantly. KCP and Cory, these two guys, being round them as a lot as I’ve now, I feel they’re going to assist tremendously on and off the ground.”

Banchero revealed that he’s been determined for the season to start out since August and shared his impressions on his latest teammates in Orlando

After a effectively rested summer season, which served no worldwide duties for the third-year participant, Banchero admitted that since August he couldn’t await the brand new season to start out. The 21-year-old is raring to develop his stat line after an already profitable second season with averages of 27.0 factors, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per match.

“It feels nice,” Paolo stated at this week’s coaching camp. “It feels just like the offseason was actually lengthy. By the tip of August, I used to be itching to get again right here. I’m comfortable I’m again now. I’m comfortable all the fellows are within the constructing. I’m excited for coaching camp, for positive.”

The younger guard talked about how impressed he was with assembly his new teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has already earned titles with two totally different franchises. Banchero acknowledged that his mindset units him other than the remainder of the squad, and there might be rather a lot to study from his expertise.

“KCP, particularly, simply taking part in in opposition to him my first two years, he’s a man that you simply’re glad to have in your workforce,” the Magic star stated. “Simply with how he shoots it and the way he defends. He’s additionally a kind of guys that’s very vocal. He’s a frontrunner (and) he’s received a few championships in the previous few years. So, he’s going to assist us rather a lot as a result of he is aware of what it takes to get to the highest.”