Paolo Banchero opens up on adjusting to life after becoming one of NBA's breakout stars in rookie season

The Orlando Magic have been thriving recently thanks to the strong performance of rookie Paolo Banchero.

Banchero, a 6-foot-10 forward, has quickly become the face of the Magic's rebuild and has been averaging 20.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game in December while shooting 37.0% from distance. The Magic have won eight out of their last 10 games, with Banchero serving as the fulcrum of the team's offense.

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Speaking to The Athletic, Banchero recently opened up about the expectations and the overall hype that have been put on him since he made his NBA debut.

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Paulo Banchero did not expect the hype he has recently received

Speaking about whether he expected the hype, Banchero said he was still getting used to it:

“No, not growing up or not two years ago. Once you get drafted and see what’s coming, you do, but I wouldn’t say I expected all this. But it’s been nice. I’m still getting used to it, trying to live my life and stay the same as I’ve always been.

"It’s been a fun adjustment. Hopefully, we can make the playoffs or the play-in, get there and win Rookie of the Year. That’s my goal.”

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Banchero is currently the firm favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award and only needs to continue in the same vein. His rookie stats are already being compared to those of LeBron James.

When asked about how he responds to the expectation, Banchero had a simple reply:

“Just making the right plays, taking the right shots. That’s what I try to do. Most of the time, I feel like I do it. The coaches and my teammates put a lot of trust in me. It’s pumped me with confidence to go out there and be myself, play my game. That’s just what I’ve been doing.

"Just trying to be better and better, trying to accept the challenge every night, every game, every matchup. That’s another thing my coaches and teammates are on me about. At the same time, they’re pumping me with confidence and telling me to be myself on offense. They’re telling me to compete and bring it every day on defense. Just trying to do both of those and be a two-way player.”

The overall turnaround might have Banchero as the driving force, but the rest of the team has also contributed at crucial times. Banchero has also become a key connector for the Magic, bringing together the potential of players like Jalen Suggs, Mo Bamba and Franz Wagner and serving as a mismatch in the half-court.