Making Strides with ?Doubtful? US World Cup Squad, Steve Kerr Announces Another Questionable Decision for Rookie of the Year

With the first overall pick in the 2022 draft, Orlando Magic selected a Duke Blue Devils player. They were aware that they were acquiring an offensive forward with enormous potential. Standing at 6 ’10, he possesses a guard-like ball-handling ability and great passing. In fact, he also has the capacity to make superstar-caliber shots from a variety of positions on the court. However, he was primarily a center at Duke University. The Magic wasted no time to challenge this perception in their effort to realize their full potential.

Under Steve Kerr’s guidance, with Team USA, the Rookie of the Year is undergoing a transformative experiment. It can reshape his position and influence his future in the NBA.

The Magic’s transformation of their rookie

The Orlando Magic had the first draft pick of 2022 and picked Paolo Banchero. Banchero was the Rookie of the Year of the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2022. The Magic’s quick adaptation of Banchero’s role marked a departure from the traditional NBA approach. They gave him perimeter responsibilities instead of keeping him in the center. They also used him in more pick-and-roll situations than they did during his first year at Duke. However, Banchero’s function as a ball handler and scorer received the majority of their attention.

Banchero gradually left the center position for the Orlando Magic and transformed into a forward. The team wanted to experiment with different lineups, such as putting Banchero at the center in smaller formations. But alongside fellow young forwards Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac, Banchero’s versatility as a forward makes him a valuable asset.

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Paolo Banchero is an Italian/American, so he had the freedom to choose the country he would like to represent. He chose America and is representing Team USA at the FIBA World Cup. And due to roster restrictions, Team USA has to consider new options. Banchero emerged as a standout candidate due to coach Steve Kerr’s willingness to experiment with lineups. Banchero showed his adaptability in his Team USA debut by assuming the center position, showcasing his new position and role on the national team.

Team USA Coach Steve Kerr said, “One of the things we really found in the Tokyo Olympics was having a 5 who can push the ball and transition and create plays is very difficult for FIBA teams to handle. So he can play some 4, as he showed, but he’ll play plenty of 5, as well.”

Banchero’s impact on team USA

During Team USA’s exhibition game against Puerto Rico, Banchero’s initial attempt to play the center position intrigued the audience. Logging minutes at center, Banchero’s performance hinted at a potential evolution of his game.

Despite only recording seven points, one assist, and one rebound, he had a significant impact. His fast break, leadership skills, and lane-running agility demonstrated a new side to his playing style. Banchero’s potential as a center was evident in early stages, showcasing his size and scoring prowess.

Paolo Banchero became a versatile NBA forward thanks to Coach Steve Kerr’s Team USA experiment. His adaptability and potential make his center role a significant element of his future success. Do you think Banchero is going to be one of the biggest names in the NBA in the coming future? Let us know in the comments below.

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