2023-04-26 00:55:40
Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero was named NBA Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.
The first overall pick in the last draft, Banchero became the third player in Magic history to earn the honor, joining Shaquille O’Neal in 1993 and Mike Miller in 2001.
Banchero, a Duke product, averaged 20.0 points and 6.9 rebounds in 72 games this season. He posted a 42.7% efficiency on shots, including a 29.8% from behind the arc.
He received 98 of the 100 first-place votes. Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz) and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder) completed the trio of finalists for this award, while Quebecer Bennedict Mathurin was relegated to fourth in the ballot. The Montreal North player got 4 second place votes and 15 third place votes.
Banchero led all freshmen in scoring and helped the Magic go from a 22-win season last year to a 34-win season. He had 15 games of at least 25 points and was named rookie of the month on four occasions.
“It’s a dream I’ve always had, something I was aiming for the second I got drafted. I’m happy to have achieved it,” said the 20-year-old athlete.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said what he remembers most about his first season in the NBA is his maturity and his desire to do well.
“He has the ability to adjust in the middle of a game, no matter what is asked of him in order to help us win,” he said.
Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors was voted top rookie last year, succeeding LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets.
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