Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero (born November 12, 2002) is an Italian-American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 250 pounds, the versatile power forward has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier young stars. Banchero was Rookie of the Year in 2023 and was an NBA All-Star in 2024.   

Early Life 

Born in Seattle, Washington, Banchero was a standout multi-sport athlete from a young age. By the time he was 15 months old, he reportedly stood three feet tall, foreshadowing his future physical dominance. At O’Dea High School, Banchero excelled in both basketball and football, playing as a backup quarterback on a state championship-winning football team as a freshman.

However, basketball was his primary calling. He led O’Dea to the Class 3A state championship as a sophomore and earned numerous accolades, including Washington Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps National Junior of the Year. By his senior year, he was a consensus five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American, eventually committing to play for Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.

College Career

Banchero’s lone season at Duke University (2021–2022) was historic. In his collegiate debut against Kentucky, he scored 22 points, signaling his readiness for the highest level of competition. He finished the season averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. For his efforts, he was named the ACC Rookie of the Year, a member of the First-team All-ACC, and a consensus second-team All-American. Shortly after the season, he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. He was named as the consensus no.1 pick just days before the draft.  

NBA Career

Orlando Magic (2022- Present) 

The Orlando Magic selected Banchero with the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, a move that surprised many analysts who expected Jabari Smith Jr. to go first despite Banchero being announced as the consensus no.1 by Adrian Wojnarowski. Banchero immediately vindicated the choice, becoming the first player since LeBron James to record at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NBA debut.

• 2022–2023 Season: Banchero dominated the rookie class, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in a nearly unanimous vote. He averaged 20.0 points per game, joining an elite group of rookies to average 20+ points in their debut season.
• 2023–2024 Season: Banchero reached his first NBA All-Star selection and led the Magic to the playoffs for the first time in four years. He proved his mettle in the postseason, averaging 27.0 points per game across a grueling seven-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• 2024–2025 Season: Despite dealing with minor injury setbacks, Banchero elevated his scoring average to a career-high 25.9 points during the regular season, cementing his status as a top-tier offensive engine.
• 2025–2026 Season: Following a major contract extension in the summer of 2025, Banchero has transitioned into a more well-rounded playmaker. His rebounding (8.5 per game) and defensive impact have reached new heights. 
• In the summer of 2025, Banchero signed a five-year, $239 million contract extension. 

International Career

Banchero holds dual citizenship in the United States and Italy through his father’s heritage. While he initially expressed interest in representing the Italian national team, he ultimately joined Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He was a key contributor off the bench, helping the team to a fourth-place finish and establishing himself as a fixture in the USA Basketball player pool for the 2024 Paris Olympics and beyond.

Personal Life

Athleticism runs deep in the Banchero family. His mother, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, was a legendary basketball player at the University of Washington and played professionally in the WNBA. His father, Mario, and uncle both played college football for Washington.

Banchero is known for his “heavy sweater” condition, which caused him to lose several pounds during games early in his career; he now manages this through a specialized hydration program. Off the court, he is recognized for his mature demeanor and business acumen, signing significant endorsement deals with brands like Jordan Brand.

 

Career Highlights and Awards

• NBA All-Star: 2024
• NBA Rookie of the Year: 2023
• NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2023
• Consensus Second-team All-American: 2022
• ACC Rookie of the Year: 2022
• Washington Gatorade Player of the Year: 2020