Paolo Banchero is ahead of schedule on the road toward becoming an NBA star.
Sure, he's coming off winning the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year award, which is by no means an unexpected honor for a No. 1 pick. But what stands out is that he seldom looked like a rookie during his first year in Orlando, even receiving some consideration in All-Star conversations before missing out on a selection.
As a result of his standing, Banchero was selected as the youngest member of the United States Men's National Team ahead of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Far from the honorary Team USA selection that some young players have gotten in the past, Banchero has quickly carved out a role for himself on the 2023 national team.
After showing flashes during the United States' exhibition schedule, Banchero made a big leap in the World Cup opener.
MORE: How Steve Kerr's Team USA roster is taking 'Strength in Numbers' approach
How Paolo Banchero can unlock Team USA's potential
With Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley in attendance, Banchero was the star of Team USA's 99-72 win over New Zealand, scoring a game-high 21 points (on tidy 8-of-10 shooting) to go along with four rebounds and four blocks — all in under 20 minutes of action.
In a game in which Team USA started out slowly, it was Banchero who was a key player in injecting life into the team, using his solid 6-10 frame to make a difference on defense and an improved shooting stroke to put forth an efficient scoring performance.
HE’S HEATING UP 🔥
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 26, 2023
Paolo is up to 17 PTS
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🇺🇸 #WinForUSA pic.twitter.com/007QJ6nzcx
When spinning Banchero's performance forward, it is important to focus both on what he did and how he did it.
Some of Team USA's most effective lineups in the opener featured Banchero at the center position, a placement that allowed him to roam and be an impactful rim protector on defense.
🚫 @Pp_doesit
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 26, 2023
🎯 AR
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🇺🇸 #USABMNT #WinForUSA pic.twitter.com/W5oADb61fR
On offense, Banchero was able to take advantage of slower defenders, get to his spots and attack. And his ability as a playmaking threat is an underrated aspect of his game.
Banchero's comfort at the five gives Kerr more lineup flexibility during the World Cup, as it could be a wrinkle employed to make life difficult for opponents. His versatility will allow him to play well with the starters as well as the reserve group that's headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves.
"It feels good," Banchero said of providing a spark as a reserve. "Coming off of the bench — me and some of the other guys — we want to be live and ready to go as soon as we check in. We want to be live, have a lot of energy and push the pace."
When a player with Banchero's physical profile is part of a fast-paced attack, plenty of opponents may end up ducking for cover.
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Paolo Banchero's role at World Cup can lead to All-Star leap with Magic
There is no doubt that Mosley was taking note of the ways in which he could continue to allow his budding star to develop with the Magic. And while there won't be any instance in which Banchero isn't the top dog in Orlando, he's gaining invaluable lessons from playing alongside other top talents with Team USA.
As a rookie, Banchero averaged 20 points per game and, at times, made scoring look effortless. The next steps toward Banchero becoming a scorer that averages 25 — or even 30 — points per game revolve around improvement upon his 29.8 percent 3-point shooting and finding other creative ways to dominate.
With the Magic, Banchero headlines a core of young talent that also features up-and-comers Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner as well as the rookie duo of Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
If Orlando has its way, members of its core will continue to develop, which, in turn, will make life easier for Banchero.
Banchero learning how to play off elite talents at the World Cup will only aid him in his ability to play off his Magic teammates. It's a dynamic that makes Orlando one of the league's most intriguing teams.
In years past, there have been a number of young stars who have parlayed success at the World Cup into another leap at the NBA level. Banchero, who is already ahead of schedule in his NBA standing, could be making that leap right before our eyes.
