NBA All-Star Reserves: Paolo Banchero Humbled After Etching Name Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard and Magic Legends

The rising superstar Paolo Banchero has definitely made the necessary impact since his debut. After the Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard era, the Orlando Magic finally managed to find a star in the 21-year-old. Following its last success in 2009, reaching the Finals, the team barely stayed afloat in the league. After the Banchero effect, the team is back on top, threatening the other franchises. Moreover, as a medal for his success, Banchero received his maiden call at the All-Star game.

Days after the All-Star starters announcement, the league put the star forward in the East reserves. It paved the way for the 9th-ever Magic player to appear in an All-Star game in the franchise’s history. Moreover, finding himself on the list of Magic legends like Shaq, Howard, Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, and Penny Hardaway, Banchero dropped a humbling statement.

Moments after the All-Star reserves announcement, the rising star featured in the Orlando Magic Pod Squad for a brief interview. The host asked him if he carries a “Sense of pride” after joining the list of legends. While one may expect a flamboyant answer, Banchero humbled down with respect.

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He said, “ When I got drafted… I remember seeing… all the previous Magic’s #1 picks, you know I got a lot of work to do. All those guys were legends… just to be in the same sentence as those guys is a huge honor… I don’t take it for granted.”

Banchero seemed to have realized that he had plenty left to complete for the franchise. Namely, giving the team the first-ever NBA trophy.

Before that, let’s find out his similarities with Dr. Shaq.

Banchero follows Shaq’s footsteps

Shaquille got his All-Star calling in his rookie season in 1993. It was the first time since Michael Jordan played his All-Star in his rookie season. Moreover, both of them went on to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Even though Banchero didn’t get the calling in his rookie season, he went on to win the ROTY award and the All-Star debut in the following season. While it’s not the same, he is definitely on the right track, following the big man’s footsteps.

Moreover, he also got the acknowledgment from Shaq days before the announcement of the reserves. Sports Illustrated reported that TNT’s Inside Guys, including Shaq, gave a green signal on a question asking if Banchero should make it to the reserves.

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What do you make of Banchero’s humbling statement? Let us know in the comments below.