Paolo Banchero has added fuel to the fire regarding his status and potential by signing a rookie max extension with the Orlando Magic. Banchero is a generational player and represents a new hope for the Orlando faithful. The Magic have the unfortunate reputation for signing superstar rookies, only to lose those stars to bigger teams down the line. Now he has signed a rookie max extension that makes him as part of Orlando’s identity as Disney World. And he is as exciting. He has now committed his long-term future to the Magic as they prepare for a very open season in the East.
Paolo Banchero has the potential to break through the glass ceiling in Orlando
To some extent, he has done so already. The Magic acquired Banchero as the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He came into the NBA with a lot to prove. The expectations on number one picks coming into the NBA are immense. Just take a look at Cooper Flagg and the attention he received before even playing a single game in the NBA.
He lived up to those expectations in his first season in the NBA, winning the KIA Rookie of the Year award. In his second season, he was selected to the All-Star team, unheard of for a player in their second season in the NBA. He led the Magic to the playoffs in the past two seasons and inspired and reinvigorated the fans’ hopes for a deep playoff run for the future.
The Orlando Magic have become the top contender in the Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference has become open to the multitude of teams trying to become the top contender. Teams that used to dominate the league have lost their star players and, along with them, the ability to compete. The Knicks have developed their roster to become the most competitive team amongst the new title contenders like the Pacers and Celtics, who both have franchise players out with long-term injuries.
Like a dog with a bone, the Magic are refusing to let go of their aspirations, all thanks to the performances by Banchero and the Magic stars. Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner fill up the Magic roster’s impressive lineup.
Newly signed Desmond Bane also brings with him a defensive mindset that the Magic have been lacking. Wagner signed a record-breaking contract for the Magic last summer, but everyone expected Paolo’s contract to exceed that number, and it has done so.
Banchero’s five-year, $239 million rookie extension represents the Magic’s faith in the young star. Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman had the following to say about the former number one pick staying in Orlando:
We are thrilled to keep Paolo (Banchero) in a Magic uniform for years to come. At just 22, he has won NBA Rookie of the Year, been named an NBA All-Star, and is widely regarded as one of our league’s brightest young stars. This commitment reflects our belief in Paolo’s talent, character, and desire to win at the highest level. It also reflects Paolo’s belief in our organization, our fans, and the city of Orlando. We are excited to continue this journey together.”
Can Paolo Banchero lead the Orlando Magic to the Eastern Conference Finals
The East is as open as a 24-hour supermarket right now. The heartbreaking injury to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum will reportedly keep them both out of action for the majority of the 2025-26 season. Without their franchise players, the Pacers and Celtics will be hoping they have the players to keep Paolo at bay. Not likely, as Banchero has been on a tear since joining the Magic. Last season, he averaged 25.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, incredible numbers for such a young player. The rookies entering the NBA this season will be praying they can emulate Paolo’s success, and more crucially, his contract extension.
