Expectations for the Orlando Magic have risen over the past two seasons. A significant portion of their success rests on the shoulders of Paolo Banchero. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward's shot creation capabilities have generated considerable buzz. To elevate his game, Banchero has been focusing on refining his shot selection and improving his physical conditioning.
Offseason Training and Motivation
Each offseason, the NBA's All-Access series offers a glimpse into the training routines of basketball's stars. For Paolo Banchero, his offseason preparation for what he anticipates will be another breakthrough season has involved extensive work on the court. The latest episode showcased Banchero working out at Coach John Thompson Jr. Court in New York City with Pro Hoops head trainer Ross Burns.
Banchero attributes his early introduction to sports to his parents, who instilled in him the understanding that success requires more than just playing games. The Orlando Magic leaned heavily on Banchero, with him playing over 37 minutes a game.
The Magic's first-round playoff series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they held an 18-point lead in the final game, has served as a major source of motivation for Banchero. Banchero believes the young team, experiencing their first taste of playoff basketball, simply ran out of gas, leading to the missed opportunity.
Driven by this experience, Banchero spent the summer focused on improving his conditioning. "That playoff series, that loss that we took, that's been my whole motivation really this summer. I think we played well enough to win that series," Banchero said. "I just think we ran out of gas, including myself. I felt myself in that Game 7, especially toward the end of the game, running out of gas a little bit."
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Banchero recognizes the importance of being in optimal shape to sustain high performance throughout the playoffs. "I feel like that's the next step for me, is not feeling that and being in even better shape, being better conditioned to go all the way through the first round, and then advance to the next rounds too. I think that experience, it just helped me realize what it takes to make it all the way."
Adjusting Shot Selection for Efficiency
Through seven games of the 2025-26 season, Banchero's shot diet has shown positive adjustments. While it’s important to acknowledge the small sample size, the changes indicate a step in the right direction for the Magic offense.
The former No. 1 overall pick is shooting 47 percent of his attempts at the rim (a career-best), while attempting 32 percent of his shots in the mid-range (career low) with fewer 3-point attempts (20 percent 3PAr, career low), according to Cleaning The Glass.
Previously, Banchero was settling for long 2s instead of leveraging his size and strength. That hasn't necessarily been the case this season. His efficiency from all areas of the floor has remained the same, but once again, it's about the process over result.
While his efficiency from all areas of the floor has remained consistent, the emphasis on process over immediate results is key.
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The Importance of a Reliable Jump Shot
At some point, the soon-to-be 23-year-old will have to develop a reliable jump shot. Spacing and being able to knock down open 3s is important in today's day-and-age.
Early Season Performance and Future Development
Regardless of the outcome, a lot of it will be on the shoulders of star wing Paolo Banchero, whose eye-popping shot creation capabilities at 6-foot-10, 250-pounds generated plenty of buzz over his first three seasons. However, while his shot attempts and on-ball usage has rightfully elevated, his efficiency remained hasn't, in part due to his inefficient shot profile.
It's important noticing that we're still working with a very small sample of games. It's also noteworthy that Banchero's overall numbers are down. But it's about the process, not necessarily the result. That's an important distinction. And if these seven games are any indication, it's a big step in the right direction for a Magic offense that's struggled to get off the ground through nearly two weeks of play.
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