The Orlando Magic have spent years searching for a true cornerstone, a player who can carry the weight of expectations and steer the franchise back into relevance. Paolo Banchero has quickly been handed that responsibility, and in many ways, it makes sense. He has size, scoring ability, and was a top pick in his NBA Draft class. But an honest look at his game raises fair concerns about whether he is ready to be the unquestioned face of a team with serious ambitions. Ignoring them would do both the player and the franchise a disservice.
Paolo Banchero’s Playoff History So Far
For a player labeled as a future star, playoff performance carries enormous weight. This is where reputations are made or questioned. We have seen this with players like Joel Embiid, who are undeniably talented but haven’t had postseason success. Banchero has had some big games in the playoffs, but consistency in the postseason remains a concern for him. Those concerns came about in the first game of the play-in tournament, where Banchero shot 7/22 from the field and was a team-worst -17 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the postseason, defenses tighten, space disappears, and every weakness becomes a target for opponents. In those moments, Banchero has not yet proven he can elevate his efficiency across a full series. His team lost in seven games against the Cleveland Cavaliers in his first playoff appearance, in a series where the home team won all seven games, and he was swept in the first round last year. That has to fall on Banchero to some degree as the anointed face of the franchise.
None of these issues are unusual for a young player, but they are significant when discussing someone expected to lead deep playoff runs at some point. If the Orlando Magic is serious about building a contender, Banchero must show he can be a steady force when defenses are at their most disciplined.
Jump Shot Concerns
One of the most talked-about aspects of Paolo Banchero’s game is his jump shot. On paper, he has the tools to be a three-level scorer, yet the results have been less convincing. He went 0/5 from three-point range against the Sixers in the first game of the play-in tournament. He is a career 31.7% three-point shooter. His outside shooting has not reached the level needed to consistently punish defenses that sag off him, as the Sixers did. This creates spacing issues for the entire offense and limits how effective the team can be in half-court sets.
Defenders are willing to give him space beyond the arc, daring him to prove he can make them pay. When those shots do not fall, the floor shrinks, driving lanes close, and Orlando’s offensive rhythm suffers. For a player expected to be the focal point, this is a major concern.
Improving his jump shot is essential moving forward. Without that reliable perimeter threat, Banchero’s overall scoring package becomes easier to contain, especially in high-stakes situations where the paint gets harder to score in.
Chance to Prove Doubters Wrong
Despite the concerns, the opportunity in front of Banchero is massive. The Magic still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs by winning Friday’s Hornets vs Magic play-in matchup. A big game against the Hornets could shut up the doubters, while setting up a first-round matchup against a Pistons team that is the top seed in the East, but has yet to win a playoff series with its current nucleus. That could open the door for him to lead the Magic to a series win that could lead to bigger and better things.
As a basketball fan, I want to see Banchero realize his true potential. But if his jump shooting doesn’t improve and he doesn’t grow into his role as the face of the Magic, he might need to take a step back so that Desmond Bane could become the top weapon on that team in the near future.
