Orlando Magic All-Star forward Paolo Banchero is settling back after missing 34 games earlier this season because of injury on his oblique. He is now ready to build on what he has already set three years into his NBA journey.
The former Rookie of the Year out of Duke spoke about his comeback from injury and what keeps him motivated on his appearance on the "Dawg Talk Podcast" of teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on Wednesday, highlighting how continuous improvement is propelling him.
"I'm not even in my prime. I'm not even close to my prime, man. That's what keeps me motivated. How nice can I get; how good can I get."
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Paolo Banchero has been solid since entering the NBA in 2022, helping the Magic to steady competitiveness in the past two and a half seasons. He has career averages so far of 21.6 points, seven rebounds, 4.6 assists in 163 games.
Prior to getting hurt in late October, he was on a tear, averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists in five games. While he was out, Orlando went 19-15.
Banchero has since returned and played in the Magic's last six games, going for 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Paolo Banchero says he just stayed positive while out injured
Paolo Banchero admitted that being out injured for a while took some time to get used to, but he just stayed positive through the course of it and remained patient until he was fully healed.
He recounted what he went through after he made his return from missing 34 games on Jan. 10, telling The Associated Press:
"I don't think I've been in bad spirits at all. But it is frustrating. You know, I've never missed this much time since I started playing basketball. Going so long without playing, I mean, I was so ready for the season and then going down so early into it just makes you ask 'why?' sometimes."
"I had to try to find positives. I've been able to sit and watch and just learn the game through a different lens. But I, for sure, have a chip on my shoulder now. Feels like some stuff I had was taken from me a little bit. And now that I'm back, I might have to make up for lost time."
Paolo Banchero's return could not have come at a better time as the Magic continue to miss the services of Franz Wagner (oblique), Jalen Suggs (back) and Goga Bitadze (concussion).
Orlando has hit a rough patch of late, losing four straight games, but remains on top of the Southeast Division with a 23-22 record. It plays next on Thursday at home against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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