Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero was good as advertised this season. His shooting percentage may not be up there yet, but the No.1 overall pick still averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 72 games to wrap up his rookie campaign.
Slated as a franchise-altering talent, Banchero took on a lot of responsibilities for the Orlando Magic, not only on the offensive end, but also on the defensive end. While there were matchups where he looked comfortable, there were others that left him frustrated.
Banchero talked about his experience matching up with some players during his appearance on “Knuckleheads” podcast, and he didn’t hold back one bit as he shared that Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler gave him the most trouble this season.
“I got asked this question and I said Kevin Durant the first time,” Banchero said. “But that’s like the obvious one. That was at the beginning of the year so I ain’t gonna use that.”
“Jimmy Butler. I think we’ve played him three times so far. It’s fun playing him because he’s so good, but it’s just frustrating playing him at the same time. He’s just so good at drawing fouls. So, it’s hard to guard him, ‘cause he keeps drawing fouls. And, just the way he closes games. We played them three times. The first two times, we were up and every time in the fourth quarter he takes over on both ends. He usually guards me and that’s another thing. He makes it tough on me.”
