Paolo Banchero Responds to Video of His 7th Grade Mixtape: ‘I Was a Combo Guard’

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 17, 2024

David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images

Paolo Banchero is an All-Star power forward for the Orlando Magic, but there was a time when he was bringing guard-like skills to the court.

That time was in seventh grade.

Banchero responded to a seventh-grade mixtape of some of his old highlights on Tuesday by saying he was a “combo guard with a back to the basket game” since he hadn’t grown into his current 6’10” frame:

Paolo Banchero @Pp_doesitback when growth spurt hadn’t kicked in yet! i was a combo guard with a back to basket game🤣 https://t.co/TQ8AHlPicu

While he is a big man in the NBA now, that guard skill set is still apparent at times even at the game’s highest level.

He can create matchup problems for opposing defenses with his ability to break down defenders off the dribble if necessary. He can also create space on the outside and connected on 33.9 percent of his three-point attempts last season.

The perimeter shooting was part of a breakout second year in the NBA, as he was named an All-Star and averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while leading the Magic to the playoffs.

At just 21 years old, there is no reason to expect anything but improvement in the immediate future for Banchero with even more experience at the NBA level.

That is a major reason why expectations are relatively high for Orlando heading into the 2024-25 campaign. He headlines a young and promising rotation that includes Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. and should again compete for a playoff spot.

Orlando also added some veteran leadership this offseason when it signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who brings championship experience and another outside shooter.

He might even serve in the combo-guard role that seventh-grade Banchero clearly perfected.