Paolo Banchero continues to show why the Orlando Magic made him the no. 1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, and he could very well be the next best thing that happened to the team after Shaquille O'Neal.
On Monday against the Houston Rockets, Banchero exploded for another 30-point game. He also had six rebounds, four assists and two steals in a highly efficient night when he shot 50 percent from the field.
While the Magic lost the contest, 134-127, Banchero provided them with a reason to be optimistic about the future. As NBA TV noted, the rising star joins Shaq as the only Magic rookies to score at least 30 points in back-to-back games. Banchero banked 33 points during Saturday's showdown with the Sacramento Kings.
Banchero's offense has always been the highest-rated aspect of his game, and he is definitely showcasing that with his hot start to the 2022-23 season. Nonetheless, the youngster's versatility has also been a welcome surprise.
During their game with the Kings, he also made 15 rebounds to pair up with his 33 piece. With that, he became just the second teenager since LeBron James to have at least 30 points and 15 boards in a contest.
If that doesn't excite Magic fans, we're not sure what else will.
Of course the Magic faithful will wish that Banchero's numbers result to wins for the team. After their latest loss, the team is now 2-9 on the season. But then again, it's worth noting that the kid is just in his first year in the NBA and is still adjusting to professional basketball.