By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
From the battle to become the top selection of the 2022 NBA draft to the 2022 NBA2K23 Summer League opener, Paolo Banchero enjoys a couple of small wins over Jabari Smith Jr.
“I have always had a chip on my shoulder. But that wasn’t my whole mindset,” he told ESPN replying to a question about facing the fellow rookie in Las Vegas Thursday and from there moved on, “I wanted to come out and get the win. Get used to playing with the guys. It was our first Summer League game. We try to win every game. So, that was the start of the Summer League season for us.”
Banchero, 19, put up 17 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one steal lasting 25 minutes in his Summer League debut. The solid showing was combined with the Orlando Magic getting the win opposite Houston Rockets. Smith was limited to ten points in 31 minutes. As for the recent draft, the promising youngsters ranked first and third, respectively, with Chet Holmgren picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder in second place.
“A lot,” explained the American-Italian forward on taking pride in his playmaking abilities, “That has always been a big part of my game, getting my guys involved. We got a bunch of great players on the team. They make great cuts and set great screens. So, I got to give them the ball.”
Banchero and the Magic are back in action in Thomas & Mack Center Saturday. The next game will be against the Sacramento Kings.
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