"If he doesn't work out, you didn't work him out then you're gonna look silly" - Dan Patrick criticizes Orlando Magic for drafting Paolo Banchero without pre-draft workout

Sportscaster Dan Patrick has criticized the Orlando Magic for selecting Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft without giving a pre-draft workout.

The lack of pre-draft workouts for Banchero led people to believe he was not going to be considered for the top spot. But just before the NBA draft, there was a sudden push for Banchero and he became the odds-on favorite to go No. 1.

During a recent segment on the Dan Patrick Show, Dan Patrick acknowledged Banchero's talent, but slammed Orlando for not trying him out before selecting him.

"If I'm Orlando, why wouldn't I wanna bring in Paolo Banchero just in case somebody may go, 'Oh boy, they may take him, we want him.' Why not create the mirage that we're not quite sure, we may take him. If he doesn't work out, you didn't work him out then you're gonna look silly. I think he's ready to play, but I don't know what happened."

If Paolo Banchero turns out to be one of the best picks in the draft, the lack of workouts will be forgotten. But if he underperforms, Orlando will cop a lot of criticism.

Paolo Banchero is the favorite for Rookie of the Year

After an incredible selection at No. 1, Banchero is the favorite for Rookie of the Year.

The early odds for Rookie of the Year are an indicator of what to expect from the players entering the league. Paolo Banchero is currently listed as the favorite to win the award, which suggests that Orlando made the right decision.

He is followed by Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren, with Jaden Ivey and Keegan Murray rounding out the top five.

If Banchero wins the award, it is the first step in proving Orlando's front office right and analysts like Dan Patrick wrong.

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