Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Orlando Magic star forward Paolo Banchero addressed his offseason and his thoughts on new coach Sean Sweeney at media day on Monday. Banchero said the Magic are only looking forward after blowing a 3-1 lead to the Detroit Pistons in round one of the NBA Playoffs, a series where he averaged team-highs in points, rebounds, and assists.
“Last season was disappointing in all aspects, but a good thing about it is that it’s over,” Banchero said. “We got a new staff here, new energy in the building and I think everybody’s excited. I’m excited for this team and the goals that we’ve set to go out there and accomplish them.”
The main message all returning players mentioned during media day was the team’s lack of consistency last season. Banchero was no different, stating the team will be more together as a group through adversity in 2026.
“I think our organization will be better in terms of our team and just how we go out there and play every night,” Banchero said. “Guys will be set in their roles; I think we’ll be a lot more intense times here on both sides of the ball.”
Orlando’s young forward, who averaged 22.2 PPG last year (19th-best in NBA) also spoke about how he trained in the offseason to better himself, mentioning coach Sweeney’s influence on him over summer. Sweeney was hired as Magic head coach after taking the San Antonio Spurs to the finals last season.
“[Sweeney] came to Seattle for a couple days to work with me and meet with me; I really enjoy spending that time with him,” Banchero said. ”From there, it’s just been constant communication, telling me what he expects from me, asks of me, what I want. Just excited to get to go to war.”
Banchero listed his main goals for the 2026 season as winning the Eastern Conference and to play at a high level every game. If the Magic want to make it far in the playoffs, they will need to be able rely on their fifth-year franchise forward.
“Throughout the summer, [I] definitely learned a lot about myself and it’s time for this year,” Banchero said. “I feel great; I’m in a great spot. I’m just ready to go out there and dominate this season.”