7 NBA stars likely to make their first All-Star team in 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
3) Paolo Banchero
The Orlando Magic have been the surprise team of the 2023–24 season, starting the year 18–6 and even recently winning nine straight games for the first time in more than a decade. Leading their resurgence is 2022's first overall pick, Paolo Banchero.
Although Banchero is averaging comparable numbers to his Rookie of the Year campaign, he's had a bigger impact on an improved Magic team. Thus far, he's averaging 20.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, as well as 1 steal per game. He's also shot much better from three, improving his efficiency. Combine that with the play of Franz Wagner, who is putting up similar numbers, and Orlando has two all-star-caliber candidates.
Of course, only great teams tend to get two all-stars, and while the Magic are good, they aren't quite great. Of the two players, Banchero is the higher-profile player and thus more likely to earn all-star consideration.
This is especially true considering that the Magic haven't done much winning since the Dwight Howard era ended but Banchero and Wagner are helping lead Orlando to their best start in more than a decade and a likely playoff appearance.