Orlando Magic Power Forward Paolo Banchero had a career season. It led to him finding himself in elite company. He joined Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O’Neal as the only players in Magic franchise history to average 25+ points per game in a season. McGrady accomplished this feat four times. O’Neal did it three times.
Banchero ended the regular season averaging a career-high 25.9 points per game. The issue for the star forward during the regular season was his lack of availability. He was limited to 46 games following an oblique injury that sidelined him for over two months. He would have been ninth in the league in points per game if he played enough games to qualify. Will Banchero lead the Orlando Magic on a deep playoff run?
Orlando Magic Season Summary
🌟 PAOLO JOINS ELITE COMPANY 🌟
Tracy McGrady.
Shaquille O'Neal.
Paolo Banchero.The only players in Magic franchise history to average 25+ PPG in a season! pic.twitter.com/wMJll75eDx
— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2025
Orlando finished the regular season with the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. This means they will be a participant in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The Magic were the first team in league history to win a division without a winning record. Orlando will host the Atlanta Hawks tonight for a chance to play the Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs.
The issue for the Magic during the regular season was their offense. They were 28th in points scored, 27th in field goal percentage, and the worst team in the league at shooting the three-pointer. Orlando’s defense was one of the league’s best during the regular season. They led the league in points allowed, were 17th in opposing field goal percentage, and 23rd in opposing three-point percentage. The Orlando Magic have a defined ceiling with such a poor offense.
Final Thoughts
Banchero must be good for the Magic to win tonight and punch their ticket to the NBA Playoffs. He has had his way with the Hawks this season averaging 33.3 points per game in his three games against Atlanta. If he can play up to his potential, the Magic will advance to the main bracket.
