Magic Stay Hot Without Banchero, But Eyes Are Still on His Return
It’s been three weeks since Paolo Banchero went down with a left groin strain against the Knicks, and while the Magic have found a way to thrive in his absence, they’re still eagerly awaiting the return of their rising star. Head coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed on Wednesday that Banchero still hasn’t been cleared for contact work, though he’s been progressing with non-contact drills like running and jumping.
For now, it’s a daily evaluation process.
“At the end of the day, we always try to see how he’s responding to each day and how he recovers that next day after he’s gone through treatments and workouts,” Mosley said following the team’s morning shootaround at the AdventHealth Training Center.
Banchero missed his 10th straight game on Wednesday night as Orlando hosted the Spurs. But here’s the thing: the Magic haven’t just survived without him - they’ve thrived. They entered the night having gone 7-2 in the nine games without Banchero, and even before his injury, they were finding their rhythm, going 5-2 after a rocky 1-4 start to the season.
That kind of resilience says a lot about the depth and mentality of this group. Still, make no mistake - they want their guy back.
“We miss him, there’s no mistake about that one,” Mosley said. “What we’ve also talked about is that it’s always the next man up mentality.
Who can step up in those moments? Because you’re not going to replace the things that he does on the floor by one individual.
You have to do it by committee, and that’s what this group has done.”
Rookie Rising: Noah Penda Making the Most of His Minutes
One of the players stepping into the spotlight during Banchero’s absence? Rookie forward Noah Penda.
Mosley pointed to Penda’s performance against the Bulls on Monday as a prime example of what it means to be ready when your number is called. The French rookie logged 11 minutes between the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters, putting up five points and grabbing five boards - not eye-popping numbers, but the kind of gritty, impactful play coaches love.
“He stepped in and starred in his role,” Mosley said.
And it wasn’t a one-off. Penda has played double-digit minutes in three of the last four games, averaging 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2 assists in just under 19 minutes per game over that stretch. That’s efficient production for a second-round pick still finding his footing in the league.
“Noah’s been playing really well,” Franz Wagner said. “He’s proven that he can play important minutes.”
Penda’s emergence has been a welcome development for a team that’s leaned heavily on its depth during this stretch. He’s not trying to be Banchero - no one is - but he’s helping fill in the gaps with hustle, energy, and smart basketball.
Moe Wagner Progressing in ACL Recovery
Meanwhile, the Magic are also keeping tabs on another key piece working his way back: Moe Wagner. The veteran big man is still limited to non-contact work as he continues his rehab from a torn ACL suffered nearly a year ago, but the signs are encouraging.
Mosley said the next step for Wagner will be one-on-one drills, eventually leading to contact work and full five-on-five practices down the line.
“Slowly but surely he’s working his way back,” Mosley said. “His spirit has been great.
His work ethic has been fantastic. So, Moe’s a guy that continues to bring the energy whether he’s playing or not, and that’s what we need from him.”
Looking Ahead
The Magic have been one of the more intriguing stories early this season - a young, hungry team that’s learning how to win even without its best player on the floor. That’s not just a testament to the coaching staff, but to a roster that’s bought in from top to bottom.
Still, with Banchero continuing to ramp up and Moe Wagner inching closer to contact drills, Orlando’s reinforcements are on the horizon. And if this team is already winning without them, it’s fair to ask - just how good can they be when they’re whole again?
For now, the Magic are proving they’re more than just a one-man show. But when that one man returns, things could get even more interesting in Orlando.