By: Ben McCormick
November 2, 2022
Coming into Tuesday night, Paolo Banchero was averaging 22.7 PPG through his first seven games, and in those seven games he set a large number of records.
Sunday marked the first game in which Banchero scored less than 20 points as he scored 18 against Dallas. He followed that up with a 15 point effort last night (Nov. 1) against the Thunder—a bit of an off night. Even for a number one pick, being able to say a rookie scoring 15 is an off night is not normal—especially eight games into a player's career.
Banchero started his rookie campaign with 27 points and 12 rebounds, which was the first time a rookie had put up such numbers in their debut since LeBron James in 2003 (see more about that here).
He went on to score 20+ in each of his first six games. He is just the third number one overall pick to ever score 20 or more in the first six games of their career. Per NBA Stats on Twitter, Banchero is the first rookie to tally 120+ points, 35+ rebounds, and 15+ assists in their first five career games, since: Dominique Wilkins in 1982-83 (124 pts, 40 reb, 16 ast).
Per The Athletic on Twitter, "Paolo Banchero became the sixth player in NBA history to score 20+ PTS in his first six games,"—the first of the 3-point era.
Want to get a good understanding of how dominant Banchero has been to start his rookie year? Start here: Stat Muse. The link takes you to a page which shows the NBA Rookie averaging the most points. The answer is Banchero with 21.8 PPG following Tuesday night's game. Now change the word "points" in the search bar to "rebounds"....Banchero is still first with 7.6 RPG. Change "rebounds" to "assists", "blocks", or "steals" and there he is, still in the top five in each category.
Banchero's start has been eye catching, but the young Magic have still not put it all together. Despite a 30 point-12 rebound performance from Banchero's frontcourt mate and fellow member of The Brotherhood, Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando still fell to OKC on Tuesday. The Magic are just 1-7 to start the season, but their young talent is looking incredibly promising. With a loaded draft class in 2023 highlighted by French sensation Victor Wembanyama and the G-League Ignite's Scoot Henderson, Orlando has a chance to develop young players this season and then add a seriously talented rookie again come June.
Banchero's historic start could be just the tip of the iceburg in what looks to be a promising career.
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