2023 NBA Rookie of the Year Prediction
2. Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets
3. Jaden Ivey, Pistons
For most of the summer, Paolo Banchero was mocked third overall to Houston… until he wasn’t. Orlando made the Duke product the No. 1 pick, adding him to what could be the most exciting young core in the NBA. Banchero is the shot creator and offensive workhorse the Magic have long lacked. He should get every opportunity to stuff the stat sheet and earn his flowers as the top pick.
Banchero will probably lead all rookies in scoring (generally a good indicator of who wins the award). He will also grab plenty of rebounds, dish out a healthy helping of assists, and rack up a few triple-doubles along the way. Orlando’s offense will run through him. No other top pick is the centerpiece of their offense right now.
That’s not to say Banchero is alone atop the Orlando depth chart: both Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner are due for big seasons. It wouldn’t completely shock me if Wagner was the Magic’s top scorer instead of Banchero. But regardless, Banchero will be plenty involved in the offense. And Orlando is going to be fun to watch. People will start paying attention to that team, and Banchero will be a big reason why.
He has competition: Jabari Smith Jr. and Jaden Ivey are special talents who are well positioned to succeed, but Banchero is the undeniable frontrunner here. Even if you don’t think he’s the best prospect in the class, he’s the most ready to put up numbers as a rookie.