NBA Analyst Questions $240.7 Million Magic Star’s Status As ‘Franchise-Carrying Winning Player’
The Orlando Magic surprisingly emerged as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference after losing franchise star Paolo Banchero. Orlando went 7-3 in his absence, with things working perfectly on both sides of the court.
However, after losing Franz Wagner to an injury against the Knicks on Sunday, the Magic will be without him for at least two weeks. Wagner carried the team in Banchero’s absence, and now it’s time for him to lead the way.
The NBA Player Guessing Game allows you to guess the NBA player based on clues about their team, division, height, jersey number, points, and experience.
Analyst Questions Paolo Banchero’s Status As “Franchise-Carrying Winning Player”
Banchero sustained a groin injury early in the season against the Knicks, leading him to miss 10 games for the Magic. During his absence, the team performed impressively, largely thanks to standout contributions from Wagner, who is averaging 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season.
Banchero has been gradually regaining his rhythm, scoring nine points in his return on Friday and 16 against the Knicks. With Wagner now sidelined for an extended period, the responsibility to lead the team falls on Banchero and Desmond Bane.
“I think what we’re gonna find out, and we’re gonna have to find out, is Paolo Banchero a franchise-carrying winning player?” ESPN analyst Timothy Legler said on The Ringer podcast. “Because the guy’s got immense talent, really difficult matchup because of his combination of power and shooting ability and scoring, but he’s definitely a different type of player than Franz Wagner.
“Wagner is a guy that’s a lot more decisive with the ball; he’s a better playmaker, he’s got better vision. Banchero, a better raw scorer, but Wagner is pretty damn good there as well.”
Compared to other young and rising stars, Banchero has continued to develop each season, posting stronger numbers and helping the Magic regain relevance. However, he has yet to fully validate Orlando’s decision to select him with the first pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.
The Magic acquired Bane over the offseason to pair with Wagner and Banchero. Still, the lineup struggled initially, starting 1-4 before regaining footing during Banchero’s absence. Now, with Wagner out, Banchero’s performance will be critical in steering the team and shaping his future in Orlando.
Banchero, who signed a five-year, $239 million extension this offseason, is currently averaging 20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Despite trade chatter and reported locker room tensions with head coach Jamahl Mosley, the 23-year-old remains the focal point of the Magic’s season, and all eyes are on him to prove himself as a true franchise-caliber player.
