Banchero says summer grind targeted next level

Closed preseason with 25 points, seven boards

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

"More than anything, challenge myself. Physically. Mentally. Put myself in situations where I had to find something. Dig Via @OrlandoMagic on X

What happened: Paolo Banchero said he challenged himself physically and mentally during the summer. He said he sought situations that forced him to dig deep in pursuit of another jump entering 2026-27.

Why it matters: Orlando opens 2026-27 with its offense built around his creation and frontcourt scoring. A jump in conditioning and decision-making would set the ceiling for the Magic's start.

By the numbers: Banchero closed the preseason with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists after a 16-point first half Oct. 18. He shot 10-of-13 with a plus-19 mark in a 20-plus-point outing Oct. 14.

What to watch: Opening-night rotation and workload will show how the summer work translates. His early usage will signal how far that push has carried.

Sources

@OrlandoMagic 2026-10-20T22:54:34.776800+00:00

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