Wherever the Orlando Magic go, the conversation seems to follow Paolo Banchero. And not just any conversation-this one’s loud, persistent, and often unfairly critical.
That’s the reality of being a young star in today’s NBA. When you’re the face of a franchise, a former No. 1 pick, and the recipient of a max contract, the spotlight doesn’t just find you-it lives on you.
Banchero himself has admitted this season’s been a bit of a roller coaster. And sure, some of the criticism is part of the deal.
But the volume and tone surrounding him lately? It’s reached a level that feels disconnected from what’s actually happening on the court.
A Growing Narrative-and a Cautionary Tale
There’s a growing impatience in Orlando-some of it from fans who’ve seen stars leave under messy circumstances before. And now, with the Magic showing flashes of success even when Banchero’s been sidelined, the whispers have grown louder: *Is he holding the team back?
Should they move on? *
But that kind of talk can be dangerous, especially when it starts to snowball. Austin Rivers, a former NBA player and current broadcaster living in Orlando, addressed the noise head-on during a recent podcast clip that made the rounds on social media.
“I genuinely think when a team has success without their best player, it just causes something,” Rivers said. “It’s not Paolo’s fault.
It happens to the best of players. Fans need to be careful about how they talk about their players… because players see it, they feel it.”
Rivers wasn’t letting Banchero off the hook entirely-he acknowledged the young star bears some responsibility for his uneven play-but the message was clear: this kind of narrative can spiral. And once it does, it’s hard to reel back in.
Yes, There Have Been Struggles
Let’s be real-Banchero hasn’t been perfect. Through this point in the season, he’s averaging 21.1 points per game-his lowest since his rookie year.
His three-point shooting has dipped to just 27.0 percent, and his effective field goal percentage sits at 48.9. Those numbers don’t scream “breakout year.”
Critics are quick to point to his on/off numbers, too. The Magic have a -1.3 net rating when Banchero is on the floor, one of the lowest among rotation players. That’s not the kind of impact you want from your franchise cornerstone.
And yes, Banchero missed time during Orlando’s impressive November run with a groin injury. When he returned, it was clear he needed time to recalibrate.
The rhythm wasn’t there. The confidence seemed shaky.
The intensity came and went.
But here’s the thing: he’s still just 23. Still learning.
Still figuring out what it means to lead a team night in and night out. And lately, he’s been doing exactly that.
January Paolo Looks Different
Since Dec. 29, Banchero has flipped the script.
Over that stretch, he’s averaging 24.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. That’s not just a bounce-back-that’s a full-on resurgence.
And it’s not just the counting stats. He’s shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from deep, and getting to the line over six times per game while hitting nearly 77 percent of his free throws. That’s efficient, aggressive, and versatile-everything you want from a 6-foot-10 playmaking forward.
This version of Banchero is the one Orlando believed in. The one they envisioned anchoring their rise.
And on Thursday night, he delivered one of his most complete performances of the season: 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 4-of-8 from three, 9-of-16 from the field. He scored 18 of those points in the first half, keeping the Magic afloat when they needed him most.
That’s what stars do. And that’s why the criticism, while not entirely unwarranted, feels premature.
Leadership Takes Time
There’s no question Banchero is still evolving. He’s trying to strike the right balance between being assertive and unselfish.
Between leading by example and letting the game come to him. It’s a tricky formula, especially for a young player still growing into his role.
But he’s not ducking the responsibility.
“I think it has been an up-and-down season,” Banchero told NBA on Prime after Thursday’s game. “I think I learned at the end of the day, it's about winning.
Whatever the team needs me to do... I still need to be myself and play winning basketball.”
That mindset shift matters. Because at the end of the day, Banchero will be judged the way all max players are-by wins. And while the Magic are still navigating the bumps of a long season, their best version almost certainly includes Banchero playing at this level.
Perspective Matters
It’s easy to forget just how much attention Banchero commands from opposing defenses. Every night, he’s the focal point.
Every scouting report starts with him. That kind of gravity doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it opens up opportunities for teammates and shapes the way Orlando plays.
And around the league, he’s still respected. Still feared. Still viewed as a player with All-Star-and eventually All-NBA-potential.
So no, this hasn’t been a perfect season. But it’s far from a failure.
And if Banchero continues trending the way he has in January, the narrative will shift. The wins will come.
And the noise? It’ll quiet down.
For now, the Magic-and their fans-should stay patient. Because the player they hoped for might just be arriving right on time.