Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Paolo Banchero are on the Jordan Brand tour in Asia and they’ve been having quite some fun. However, as the 4 players visited the Great Wall of China, the Magic star might have just scared thousands of fans and his team. Banchero has been a terrific player for his Orlando side. He won the ROTY title, earned praise from Draymond Green, “That is a winner right before your eyes,” and performed even better in his 2nd year, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2020.

In his first postseason, Banchero averaged 27 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 40% from deep and over 45% from the field. Not to mention, these numbers were well above his regular season averages. After Dwight Howard, Banchero and Co. are the Magic’s new saviors. However, as valuable as he is, his daring stunt in China may have resulted in a call from the GM. The 21-year-old had the idea of sliding on a dangerously inclined handrail.

As seen in the exclusive video by EssentiallySports’ reporter Grant Afseth, it was pretty clear that the slightest slip could have resulted in a 100+ foot tumble. While getting onto the handrail, Banchero had second thoughts!

He said, “There’s no breaks though, there’s no break though. Nobody catching you… It’s not sliding!” Magic fans and onlookers were surely relieved to realize that the railings weren’t smooth enough for him to glide. Nevertheless, this slide could have been costly, on many levels. The youngster is just getting started and an injury would be the last thing he’d want. On the other hand, Banchero will have something to look back at, being his first Jordan tour.

Banchero signed a deal with Jordan Brand back in October 2022. Of course, his shoe deal has made him a fortune, but the youngster is more thankful for having a pro career in the game. Banchero started playing ball quite early, and it was only because of his mother.

Rhonda Smith-Banchero, Paolo’s mother, played college basketball for the Huskies before her WNBA draft in 2000. She also played professionally and is now a coach at the Holy Names Academy. Nevertheless, Banchero’s success as a basketball player has brought him all the fruits, as he recently expressed his gratitude.

Paolo Banchero shared an inspiring message on Instagram

The Orlando Magic star had all the fun in China alongside other All-Stars. But as thrilling as this trip was, Banchero couldn’t help but take a moment to realize how far he’s come. His recent Instagram post captioned, “It’s Crazy Where This 🏀 Can Take You!” showcases all about his gratitude towards the Jordan brand as well as his journey. Not only that, but he sent a huge shoutout to the brand while touring the Great Wall.

“Shoutout to the Brand, shoutout to Jordan family. Wouldn’t be able to be here without ya’ll man. From Seattle to the Great Wall man. Can’t believe it, appreciate you guys. Always, yes sir.”, said Banchero. If anything, the former Blue Devil has earned all the respect. His future is certainly bright and it will be interesting to see how far he can take Orlando.

With their current progress, the Magic will be a serious contender in the playoffs starting this season. Banchero already believes his team to be as good as squads like the Celtics, Knicks, and the Sixers.

Well, it will be a sight to see them compete with the East toppers next year. What are your thoughts on Paolo Bacnhero’s first two seasons in the league? Do you think he’ll lead the Magic to the Finals like Dwight Howard? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.