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BREAKING: Bizarre News Surfaces About Paolo Banchero, the Number #1 Pick In The NBA Draft 2022

Published 06/24/2022, 12:01 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

There was a huge debate on the NBA draft and the selections. Notably, there was a range of choices for even the number one selection. However, the Orlando Magic put their faith in Duke University’s star Paolo Banchero. The surprising move shocked everyone as Jabari Smith or Chet Holmgren looked like the clear favorites. But more shocking news hit the NBA world and they were not ready for it. Before picking up Banchero, the Magic didn’t even host a workout with him.

Banchero made huge noise during his one season at Duke. He became the second star from Duke to go number one overall in the last four years after Zion Williamson in 2019. Banchero hit the news first with his rare condition that causes him to sweat and lose weight at a high rate.

However, despite the natural problems, Banchero raised the roof for Duke. Becoming a scoring phenom, he won the ACC Rookie of the Year Award. The number one pick was also a part of the All-ACC first team.

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And now ready to take on the NBA floor as a Magic, Banchero has already clocked in. However, Orlando may not have done their homework before making the choice. According to Jeff Goodman, the Magic didn’t even see Banchero workout before selecting him.

Paolo Banchero ready to announce himself to the NBA

The Magic have had some great players grace their franchise over the course of history. From Shaquille O’Neal to Tracy McGrady, the team has never been short for talent. However, in recent times they have become a lottery team. Hence, the NBA draft is their best shot to upgrade.

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And their choices can make or break the entire season. Knowing all this, their move for Paolo Banchero shocked one and everyone in the NBA world.

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USA Today via Reuters

Goodman reported that the Magic have not even seen Banchero on the floor before putting all their trust in him. While the 19-year-old freshman had a historic season with Duke, his time with the Magic will be full of questions.

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The Magic have a great array of youngsters and rookies in their roster. Wagner and Suggs both had great rookie seasons with the Magic. But while their young talent has delivered, the team hasn’t made any move up the stairs. And this year’s draft could have been a major difference-maker for them. Holmgren and Smith were both the names popping up for Magic to take.

Both the big men dominated in their college seasons and suit the play style of Magic perfectly. More importantly, the front office knows how they operate. However, when it comes to Banchero, it is all in the wind.

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Paolo put his scoring prowess out there, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his single season with the Blue Devils. He has elite post skills and can create the space for himself. Without a doubt, Banchero has the tools to make his entry into the big league.

But how will Banchero fit into the Magic system is something even the franchise can’t picture just yet. Do you think the Magic made the right choice? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani