19-year-old Paolo Banchero shows signs of exceeding LeBron James after making an impressive rookie debut
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Paolo Banchero and LeBron James
The Orlando Magic picked Paolo Banchero as the first overall choice in the 2022 NBA Draft. Through just five games into the season, the power forward has without a doubt written his name into NBA history. Since his debut, the Orlando Magic talisman has been a dominant force. Currently, the 19-year-old is averaging 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
In his NBA debut against the Detroit Pistons last Wednesday night, Paolo Banchero had 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, becoming the first rookie with 25-5-5 in his first game since LeBron James in 2003. After the game, Banchero stated, “I guess it means a lot.
As things stand, it appears that the Magic’s investment in him is paying off. Banchero scored 20 points Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, making it five in a row. Through his first five NBA games, even the legendary Michael Jordan scored 23.2 points per game on average. The main distinction, though, is that during that period Jordan played a crucial role in helping the club to three victories.
Despite Banchero’s outstanding performances in their five games, Orlando has lost every match. He can freely display his scoring skills thanks to his physicality, intelligence, and handling. The Magic, though, is at the bottom of the East. The squad may establish some chemistry and come together as a unit if its stars, who include Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, and company, get a steady run of games.
A comparison of Paolo Banchero and LeBron James
Paolo Banchero continues to send shockwaves in the NBA world after dropping stellar performances in each of the games that he’s played for the Orlando Magic. Although the franchise is falling short in its efforts, Banchero has proved he has what it takes to take on world-class players such as LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and who knows one day we might witness him breaking their records should he continue to play the way he’s been playing so far.
LeBron James made his debut for the Cavaliers on the 29th of October 2003 against the Sacramento kings against whom he dropped 25 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals. In his first 5 games, King James averaged 16.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. Paolo Banchero, on the other hand, made his debut on the 19th of October this year against the Pistons scoring 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 35 minutes that he played. In his first 5 games, he’s averaged 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists so far.
With these impressive statistics it is without a doubt that Paolo Banchero will surpass all greats should he steer clear of injuries. In his debut, the 19-year-old showed off a variety of skills throughout the evening, but his standout performance was highlighted by a strong dunk in transition over Cory Joseph. Should Banchero fulfill his undeniable potential, this will be the moment from his debut that will be featured on showreels in the future.
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Abhivyakt Sharma
(270 Articles Published)