ORLANDO, FLA- As announced by the NBA’s official Twitter account, Orlando Magic Forward Paolo Banchero was named the 2022 Eastern Conference Rookie for the Month of December. In reference to this, Banchero has become the ninth player to win the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month Award in Orlando Magic team history. Meanwhile, Sacramento Kings Forward Keegan Murray was named the 2022 Western Conference Rookie of the Month.
In the month of December, Banchero was undeniably impressive, averaging 33.5 MPG, 19.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.1 SPG while shooting 40.7% from the field, 33.9% from three-point range, and 78.2% from the free-throw line in 15 starts. In addition to this, Banchero scored 20+ points in seven straight games from Dec. 5-18, tying Hall of Fame Center Shaquille O’Neal’s streak from 1993 for the longest streak by a rookie in Orlando’s History. Finally, Banchero played a pivotal role in Orlando’s record-setting six-game win streak, and helped the Magic finish with an 8-7 overall record in December.
“I think it would be cool to win Rookie of the Month. I don’t even think this was my best month so it would be good to win it even though I feel like I could have been much better this month” Banchero said prior to the announcement of the December Rookies of the Month. “I think just going into this new year, new month of the season is a new focus. You gotta refocus on the games we have in front of us. We got a big (five-game) West Coast trip (starting on Saturday at Golden State) so I’m excited for that.
From a statistical standpoint, Banchero has posted a dominant stat line even as a 20-year-old rookie. In 32 starts this season, Banchero is averaging 34.3 MPG, 21.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 0.9 SPG while shooting 43.8% from the field, 31.0% from three-point range, and 76.1% from the free-throw line. Banchero has already notched multiple historic performances, including a 27-9-5 statline in his NBA Debut, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James as the only other No. 1 picks since 1969 to have at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in an NBA debut.
Banchero’s electric start to his professional basketball career has caught the attention of many, including NBA all-time great and Future Hall of Fame Forward LeBron James.
“He has been exceptional, playing great ball. A three-level scorer so far in this league — in the paint, midrange and from outside pretty well as of late,” James said of Banchero following the Lakers’ 129-110 win versus the Magic on December 27th. “He is only going to get better and better. Every game he’ll get better and better, every film session he’ll get better and better. All of these experiences are really good for him on a game-to-game basis.”
As a result of his stellar rookie season, Banchero is currently No. 8 in the 2022-2023 All-Star Voting for frontcourt players in the Eastern Conference. If Banchero is selected for the All-Star Game, Banchero will become the first Rookie to make the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin did so with Los Angeles in 2010. Making the All-Star Game as a Rookie would only improve Banchero’s excellent case for the 2022-2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winner, and is currently -700 odds to win, according to Caesars Sportsbook.
The NBA All-Star Voting officially opened on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 11 AM ET, and will close on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:59 PM ET, giving fans the opportunity to vote for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game starters via the new NBA App and NBA.com. Throughout the four-week voting period, fans with NBA ID may submit one full ballot each day via the NBA App and NBA.com. One full ballot comprises three frontcourt players and two guards from both the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. All current NBA players will be available for selection.