Banchero isn’t new to the No. 1 spot. The 20-year-old was the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and leads in the Magic in points (20.3), rebounds (6.6), assists (3.7) and steals (1). He also tops all rookies in scoring and 30-point games (four).
It didn’t take long for Banchero to establish himself as the future of the franchise. He’s played at a level some consider All-Star-worthy — although, he didn’t make the final cut — and even received praise from Lakers star LeBron James.
“[Banchero has] been exceptional. He’s only going to get better and better,” James said, according to Sports Illustrated.
Wagner — not to be confused with older brother and fellow Magic teammate Moritz Wagner — averages 19.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
The 21-year-old plays a key role in Orlando’s young developing offense and led the team in scoring in 18 out of 54 games this season. Sixers’ Joel Embiid commended Wagner’s fearlessness after battling him for four quarters.
“I kept telling [Wagner], ‘Stop doing that,’ because he kept trying to attack me. A really good young player,” Embiid said, according to SB Nation’s Paul Hudrick.
The Orlando teammates will take opposite sides of the court as they compete in the All-Star weekend event on Friday, Feb. 17. The three-game tournament will feature four teams comprised of rookies, sophomores and G League players.
Despite the Magic’s 22-32 record, the future looks bright in Orlando.
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