Paola Bancheroa’s arrival in Orlando after becoming no. 1
If we guessed it right, Paola Bancheroa himself didn’t know about Orlando trying to pick him. Orlando cleverly managed to keep the secret of how they are going to take the no. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
When asked by Banchero, he said ” He didn’t know about the decision, he was kept out of the decision loop until 30 seconds before the draft was taken by NBA commissioner Adam Silver on stage to announce his name. Paola Bancheroa’s news was broken to him by his agent Mike Miller who leaned over and whispered ” Congratulations.” He happened so fast that Paola was trying to comprehend the overwhelming situation.
With that announcement, Paola Banchero was ready to play for Orlando. He arrived in Orlando on Friday after his name was etched permanently on the list of No. 1 picks of the NBA draft. The Duke’s 6-feet-10 forward will begin training for Orlando officially next week on Orlando’s NBA summer league opener on July 7.
According to reports, in a conversation with the media, Paola Bancheroa says ” The expectations are going to be high for me that I will hold for myself and that everyone else will be holding on to, but I feel, it’s no different from what I used to feel. For me, it’s the same as on my way to college after going to high school having a lot of expectations. It’s always been like that my whole life.
The magic went through every possible option with the number 1 choice
Magic went through various players before picking up Paola Bancheroa. Many teams called to obtain it in a trade. Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn came in for a workout that was attended by some Orlando players and babbled about it. Even Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga spent some days with the Magic last week. According to the coach, teams insisted that the other players from different franchises were considered seriously. The Magic had a long list of criteria such as short-term fit, long-term fit, and more to fit in the team.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said There are a few things that you pick from each that make you think, ‘Oh, wow, that would be a great criterion for us.
At the end of the day, it comes down to How will it suit the magic? How are we going to deal with them in the locker room? How will they treat people and other players when they come in?. All these things will play a role in team building. And I believe we did a great job with those details.
They were convinced that Paola Bancheroa is the best player at the level to fit in. However, the actual criteria and timetable on which they selected Banchero for the pick. He himself was surprised to know his pick by Orlando.
It would be great to see how they build a team with Banchero and how he performs after this draft.