Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley believes Paolo Banchero is a combination of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Jayson Tatum. Mosley talked about Banchero with NBA reporter Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“Because the (NBA) game has changed so much over the years with players getting more talented and higher IQs, you have to give combinations,” Mosley said. “Paolo is a combination of Carmelo (Anthony), LeBron (James) and (Jayson) Tatum. There are different combinations of things they possess. The passing skills. The ability to score in different areas. The power that they possess.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum Updates
Banchero appeared in 72 games for the Magic last season. He averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field, 29.8% from beyond the arc and 73.8% from the free-throw line. The Duke product won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
“I think the sky is the limit. (Banchero) being with Team USA and seeing the different aspects of how people adjusted their (NBA) games to fit in with what was trying to be accomplished,” Mosley said. “He did that. He’s capable of doing so many things. At the beginning of the year, he played basically point for us at times with Franz Wagner when we had our guards down. More importantly, I watched his jump defensively and ability to switch pick-and-rolls and stay in coverage. They had him playing the five mixed with the four. I thought it was great that he expanded his game in real time. I think it’ll do wonders for him on the court.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum Updates
Banchero recorded 14 double-doubles as a rookie. Even though the Magic missed the NBA playoffs again next season, the franchise has a bright future with Banchero leading the way.
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