DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 7: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during a preseason game on October 7, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Magic's Paolo Banchero Says LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Were His Favorite Players

Rob GoldbergOct 11, 2022

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero said LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were his favorite players growing up, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

It's fitting for the No. 1 pick of the 2022 NBA draft, who will try to emulate the future Hall of Famers during his own career.

Banchero averaged 17.2 points per game during his freshman season at Duke, entering the NBA with high expectations as someone who can get points in a number of different ways.

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"There's such a dynamic ability to not just play the 1 through 5, there's such a versatility in the way he can play offensively," head coach Jamahl Mosley said of Banchero.

Banchero wasn't even one year old when James and Anthony were drafted in 2003, but he has grown up watching their impact with a combined 28 All-Star selections. If the 6'10" forward can come anywhere close to this level of production, the Magic will be in good shape.