As it stands, former NBA star Paul Pierce knows a thing or two about which stars deserve more credit in the league, no matter how controversial his opinion may get. The thing is, the Boston Celtics legend may be right about Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero as one player worthy of being respected.
Banchero’s talent was on full display during a game between the Magic and Milwaukee Bucks, a contest the latter won with a score of 117-99. Orlando’s All-Star forward dropped 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and a single steal in 33 minutes on the court. Meanwhile, Cole Anthony tallied 23 points from the bench in a losing effort to the Bucks.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, proved to be the superior team even without Giannis Antetokounmpo, thanks to Bobby Portis and Damian Lillard combining for 59 points. Patrick Beverley also added 13 points and eight rebounds as part of the starting lineup.
The win strengthened Milwaukee’s hold on the second seed. Meanwhile, the Magic are in fifth place with 46 wins and 34 losses this season. It remains to be seen whether they can overcome the Cleveland Cavaliers to rise up to fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Boston Celtics Legend Paul Pierce Said Orland Magic Star Paolo Banchero Deserves More Respect in the NBA
Even if the Magic fail to make a deep playoff run, the team still managed to impress everyone by becoming so good this season. Their improvement stands on second-year forward Paolo Banchero’s ascendance as one of the league’s best players. But according to NBA legend Paul Pierce, last year’s top rookie isn’t getting the love he deserves in a video shared by NBA Central on X:
Paul Pierce says Paolo Banchero deserves more credit for making the All-Star team in his sophomore year and leading the Magic to the playoffs
(🎥 @allthesmokeprod )pic.twitter.com/SAijc4OpUy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 10, 2024
Banchero is currently averaging 22.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season. More importantly, he has been instrumental for Orlando to transform itself from a mediocre squad into a playoff contender within just one season.
It remains to be seen whether Banchero’s stock will rise in the coming months. What can’t be denied is how he has taken the Magic on his shoulders and helped the team change for the better.
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