Orlando Magic’s forward Wendell Carter Jr. recently proclaimed that his team member Paolo Banchero has the makings of a future MVP contender in the next NBA season.
Banchero is on the brink of his third NBA season and has already demonstrated significant prowess on the basketball court. In his sophomore year, he managed to reach an average of 22.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game, contributing to the team’s entry into the NBA Playoffs. Though the team did not win, being bested by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a gripping seven-game series, Banchero’s own stats stood out noticeably. He accomplished 27 points, 8.6 rebounds, and four assists per game throughout the series.
Carter Jr.’s prediction of Banchero stepping up as an MVP in the 2024-25 season is rooted in firsthand observations of his teammate’s development and the palpable chemistry between them during games, boosting the team’s overall performance.
Despite Banchero’s promising play, he faces an uphill climb in the MVP race, currently positioned as a dark horse with odds of +50,000 to claim the Michael Jordan Trophy for the league’s Most Valuable Player. Nevertheless, the evident advancement in his gameplay spells potential lucrative outcomes.
The Magic’s 2024-25 season will kick off with an away game against the Miami Heat scheduled for October 23. Their line-up of preseason matches includes confrontations with the New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, and Philadelphia 76ers.
With the season nearing, eyes are on Paolo Banchero to see if he can meet and exceed the lofty expectations Wendell Carter Jr. has voiced. Whether he can ascend as one of the league’s elite players remains to be observed, but the anticipation around Banchero’s performance is certainly set to heighten his profile in professional basketball.
