Paolo Banchero: 2023 NBA Rookie Of The Year

Paolo Banchero 2023 NBA Rookie Of The Year
Image via Slam Magazine
Paolo Banchero, a member of the Orlando Magic, received the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy on Tuesday after being selected the NBA's Rookie of the Year.

Banchero, who was selected first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, played and started 72 games for the Magic this season, averaging a team-best 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.


He received 98 out of 100 first-place votes from the panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, winning the Rookie of the Year award by a wide margin over Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, who received the other first-place vote.

Banchero led all NBA rookies in both points scored and playing time during his outstanding rookie campaign.

He also ranked among the top rookies in assists, free throw percentage, steals, fifth-place rebounds, third-place assists, fourth-place thefts, and seventh-place blocked shots.

Banchero is only the sixth rookie in the last 50 seasons, according to the NBA, to average at least 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists over a minimum of 50 games.

The 20-year-old led all NBA rookies in scoring this season with six games with at least 30 points.

Rookie of the Year honorees in the past have included LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In addition to Mike Miller in 2000-01 and O'Neal in 1992-1993, Banchero is the third Magic player to get the honor.



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