Magic forward Paolo Banchero will be sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with a torn right oblique, reports Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
According to Charania, Banchero – who was initially listed as questionable for Friday’s game due to a right abdominal strain – will be reevaluated in four-to-six weeks. His return to play will depend on how he responds to treatment, Charania adds.
The Magic have put out a press release (via Twitter) that formally confirms Charania’s report.
It’s an unfortunate turn of events for Banchero, who appeared to be taking another leap forward after earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2022/23 and making his first All-Star team in ’23/24.
After averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 35.0 minutes per game across 80 starts last season, the former No. 1 overall pick had increased those averages to 29.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 5.6 APG in his first five outings this season. He set a new career high on Monday when he went off for 50 points in a win over Indiana.
Even if he makes a speedy recovery, Banchero is unlikely to return until at least December, which will almost certainly make him ineligible for major end-of-season awards, including an All-NBA spot, as a result of the league’s 65-game rule. He only missed 12 total games in his first two NBA seasons.
The Magic, meanwhile, will have to get by without their top scorer and one of their best play-makers for the foreseeable future. Franz Wagner, who is considered questionable to suit up on Friday to due to an illness, will be in line for more minutes and more offensive responsibilities.
Moritz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, Caleb Houstan, and Jett Howard are among the other candidates for increased roles with Banchero unavailable.
Big dint in Orlando’s season.
This is terrible not just for Paolo and Orlando, but for fans in general. He’s been a pleasure to see progress into a franchise caliber player. I think there should be a tinker in the 65 game rule. If you’re out on injury you shouldn’t be DQ, however if it’s “load management”, then you should be.
Regardless this is brutal for Orlando. Paolo is one of the best new faces in the NBA and really was playing at a high level this year.
Devastating turn of events. Paolo is fast becoming a top 20 player in this league if he isnt there already.