The Orlando Magic enter an offseason with substantial cap space and future draft capital that could allow them to build out their roster around Paolo Banchero.
While the Magic could theoretically add a guard that can stretch the floor be dynamic with the ball, they would only want to do in a way that doesn’t compromise their defense.
“[The front office] wants two-way guys who add to what we already have in terms of our defensive identity, length and versatility,” Banchero said in a profile by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. “Shooting is a big part of what we need to improve on, whether we go and get somebody or try to develop guys. I don’t know which way they’re going to approach that. And having a guy who can set the table and be reliable. We have a lot of talented guys who can make shots and make plays: me, Franz [Wagner] and Jalen Suggs. I would rather be more of an offensive hub than the point guard, if that makes sense.”
Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in the regular season, but he increased that production in the playoffs by posting 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
