Orlando Magic Thrive Without Paolo Banchero - But Make No Mistake, They’ll Need Him When It Counts
It’s been three weeks since Paolo Banchero pulled up lame with a groin strain at Madison Square Garden, and what initially looked like a minor setback has turned into a longer-than-expected absence. The Orlando Magic are playing it safe with their young star - and for good reason.
Right now, Banchero remains limited to non-contact individual work, according to head coach Jamahl Mosley. There’s no timeline for when he’ll be cleared for full-contact practice, and the team isn’t rushing it. This is about the long game.
But here’s the twist: since Banchero went down, the Magic haven’t just stayed afloat - they’ve taken off.
Orlando is 7-2 without its leading scorer, and they’ve surged into the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a team figuring itself out, leaning into its depth, and discovering new ways to win. Still, don’t confuse that success with a sign that Banchero is expendable.
He’s not. And when the games start to really matter - when playoff matchups tighten and half-court execution becomes everything - they’re going to need him.
“Next Man Up” Isn’t Just a Slogan - It’s the Blueprint
Mosley put it plainly: “We miss him. There is no mistake about that one.”
But the message inside the locker room has been clear - it’s not about replacing Paolo Banchero. It’s about everyone stepping up and starring in their roles.
And that’s exactly what’s happened.
Desmond Bane has been the headliner. Since Banchero’s injury, Bane has taken over as the team’s offensive engine, averaging 24.1 points and 4.3 assists per game.
He’s still working to find his rhythm from deep - shooting 34.6% from three - but the aggression, the shot creation, the leadership? That’s been everything Orlando hoped for when they brought him in.
Then there’s Anthony Black. The rookie has been a revelation off the bench, averaging 16.3 points on 49.1% shooting from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc over the past three weeks. He’s given the second unit a jolt of energy and fearlessness - the kind of sixth-man spark that changes games.
But this isn’t just about Bane and Black. It’s been a full-team effort.
Goga Bitadze has been a defensive anchor, averaging 1.4 blocks per game and making his presence felt on the glass. Jonathan Isaac and Noah Penda have brought versatility and length on the defensive end, offering Mosley valuable options depending on the matchup.
This is what depth looks like when it’s working. Not one guy trying to be the star, but everyone doing a little more of what they already do well.
A Different Look, Same Identity
The Magic haven’t just survived without Banchero - they’ve evolved. Since Nov. 13, they’ve posted a 120.6 offensive rating and a 110.9 defensive rating - both marks ranking fifth in the league over that stretch.
The offense is flowing. The defense is holding strong.
And the team has advanced to the NBA Cup quarterfinals for the second straight year.
Franz Wagner summed it up well: “A lot of guys are stepping up and making big plays… The way that we're playing is to everyone's ability and making sure we maximize everyone.”
What’s notable is that Wagner hasn’t had to carry the load himself. This isn’t about one guy taking over in Banchero’s absence. It’s about a collective identity - one that’s being shaped by ball movement, defensive intensity, and a more balanced offensive attack.
Wagner also credited Bane for helping shift the team’s offensive style into something more sustainable. There’s a rhythm to how this team is playing right now, and the hope is that when Banchero returns, he can plug right back in without disrupting the flow.
When Banchero Returns, the Ceiling Rises
Paolo Banchero will be back. And when he is, there will be an adjustment period.
That’s natural. But the version of the Magic that’s been on display over the last three weeks is one that should only get better when their star forward returns.
This isn’t a case of the team playing better without Banchero. It’s a case of the team growing in his absence - and becoming more complete for it.
Banchero gives this team a go-to scorer, a matchup nightmare, and a player who can tilt the floor. He’s the kind of talent you build around, not work around. And the idea that the Magic are better off without him misses the point entirely.
These last three weeks have been a showcase of Orlando’s depth, development, and resilience. They’ve proven they can win without their star. But when he returns, they’ll be ready to win with him - and that’s a much scarier thought for the rest of the league.