Paolo Banchero makes historical history in NBA debut

Paolo Banchero continues to play with a chip on his shoulder. If you understand the landscape of the NBA, you know how important it is that veteran players contribute to their hometown community. Seattle, WA has produced some great NBA players that continue to help the development of boys and girls coming out of the great Northwest. Names like Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Doug Christie, Brandon Roy, Dejounte Murray, Isaiah Thomas, Zach Lavine and many more are just a few that have led the way for the community to now be a major hotspot for scouts from the NCAA and G League. Many knew how special Paolo Banchero was going to be when college basketball powerhouse, Duke, recruited him. The great northwest had another potential star playing for a legend in Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Orlando Magic received the number 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and there was no doubt in their mind that their guy was from the great northwest. Paolo Banchero was selected number 1 overall. His presence was felt immediately in the Orlando Magic headquarters. Paolo seemed to click with his teammates starting in the NBA Summer League with only playing limited minutes and games. Wednesday night Banchero made his debut in Detroit.

Paolo Banchero debuted by joining only two players that were selected number 1 overall (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James) since 1969 to have at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in their first NBA game.

Paolo ended the game with 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Banchero was efficient shooting by making 11 of 18 shots in 35 minutes. Paolo reflected on the accomplishment but was critical of his game as well. “I left a lot of points on the board, like three layups missed, some shots I feel like I could have made, so a lot to work on, but I wasn’t disappointed with the way I played.” A bright future is emerging in Orlando and fans of basketball are in for several years of highlights that potentially can lead to dominance.