Paolo Banchero’s preseason shooting struggles may raise a key question for the Orlando Magic

Philip Rossman-Reich examines Paolo Banchero's early preseason shooting struggles, noting that the forward has shot just 3-for-17 from the floor and 1-for-5 from 3-point range over two games. Despite these shooting slumps, the Orlando Magic are adapting to an altered offensive scheme under coach Sean Sweeney designed around quicker decision-making and better floor spacing.

The writer argues that while preseason stats should not cause panic, Banchero's long-term scoring efficiency remains a vital test for the team's ambitions. Banchero has effectively generated 20 free-throw attempts and displayed better movement, but Rossman-Reich emphasizes that Orlando's overall ceiling depends heavily on Banchero and Franz Wagner making efficient leaps.