The query Paolo Banchero confronted shortly after making his summer time league debut within the Orlando Magic’s 91-77 Thursday win over the Houston Rockets is a well-recognized one.
So acquainted that every one he needed to do was look down at his proper arm for the reply.
As the No. 1 choose, does he really feel strain? Especially when figuring out the spectators contained in the Thomas and Mack Center and the nationwide viewers watching from dwelling on Thursday tuned in to look at him placed on a present.
“Yeah, but I got it tattooed on me: kNOw pressure,” Banchero stated of the tattoo on his decrease proper arm that he received earlier than his lone season at Duke. “Literally. I’ve always dealt with [the] pressure well.”
Banchero performed like somebody who wasn’t feeling strain.
He showcased his offensive skillset in opposition to Houston, getting 17 factors, 6 assists and 4 rebounds, with 13 of these factors coming within the first half.
His utilization — in isolation, pick-and-rolls, handoffs and postups — was a glimpse into how the Magic will probably use him when the video games actually begin to matter outdoors of particular person improvement.
Banchero was used because the Magic’s offensive rub for many of the 26 minutes he performed Thursday.
The potential to be that — an environment friendly focus for offense — is a part of why Orlando drafted him and what he’s seeking to present he may be throughout summer time league.
The Magic will play the Sacramento Kings at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday (ESPN) of their subsequent summer time league contest earlier than matching up in opposition to the Oklahoma City Thunder at 9 p.m. on Monday (ESPN) and the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV) subsequent Thursday.
All 30 groups play 4 video games via July 15, with the 2 groups with the most effective information taking part in within the championship sport two days later. The different 28 groups will play their fifth video games on July 16 or 17.
“Just that I can be a go-to guy and affect winning at the same time, not a guy who’s going to hurt the team,” Banchero responded when requested what he desires to point out over the subsequent 1½ weeks. “Just doing that and getting better on defense.”
Banchero’s gaudy stat line and high-level shotmaking had been eye-popping.
The fadeaways, step-backs, pull-ups and highlight-reel passes whereas working in a number of conditions had been a glimpse into his offensive repertoire.
But the subsequent 1½ weeks for Banchero is extra about furthering his understanding of Orlando’s ideas on each ends of the ground than it’s his field rating numbers.
It’s why Jesse Mermuys, the Magic’s summer time league coach, was impressed with how Banchero performed from a course of standpoint — not simply his manufacturing — and saying his play creation was what stood out.
“At his size, strength and the way he moves his feet, it’s very special,” Mermuys stated. “You’ll see that develop as he figures out the NBA game, and he gets more comfortable with the sets and spacing. He’s special in that aspect.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com