Magic’s Paolo Banchero using All-Star snub as motivation

Magic big man Paolo Banchero admits the first half of the season did not meet his expectations. And that realization helped fuel his recent surge.

Speaking with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Banchero said missing the All-Star team forced him to take a hard look at his play.

“I’m always honest with myself,” Banchero said. “I looked in the mirror first. Over the All-Star break, I watched a lot of film over the early part of the season. I just wasn’t happy with what I put out.”

Banchero acknowledged injuries played a role, but he also pointed to mindset.

“I could’ve had a better mindset,” he said. “But I know I’m an All-Star in this league. My confidence is still the same. It’s about being honest with yourself and realizing you didn’t really deserve to be an All-Star. Then you come back better.”

He has done exactly that.

Over his past 10 games, Banchero is averaging 26.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting better than 50 percent from the field. Orlando has gone 7-3 during that stretch.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said the difference has been Banchero’s aggression on both ends.

“Paolo has been ultra-aggressive attacking and getting early baskets,” Mosley said. “He’s also been taking on the best player assignments defensively.”