ORLANDO - Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been named the Kia NBA’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January 2023. It is the second straight month that he has earned the monthly honor.
Banchero becomes the third player in franchise history to be named the league’s Rookie of the Month in consecutive months, joining Shaquille O’Neal (four straight months) and Mike Miller.
Banchero (6’10”, 255, 11/12/02) played and started in 14 games during January, averaging 20.1 ppg., 5.9 rpg., 3.2 apg. and 1.29 stlpg. in 32.7 minpg. He led all NBA rookies in scoring and minutes played, while ranking second among East rookies in rebounding and third in assists. Banchero scored 20+ points six times and 30+ points once.
Selected in the first round (first overall) of the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has played and started in 44 games this season with Orlando, averaging a team-high 20.7 ppg., 6.4 rpg., 3.7 apg. and 1.02 stlpg. in 33.7 minpg. He ranks among all NBA leaders in scoring (40th). Banchero leads all NBA rookies in scoring and minutes played, while also ranking among leaders in rebounding (4th), assists (3rd), FG percentage (9th), free throw percentage (5th), steals (3rd) and blocked shots (9th). He has scored 20+ points 27 times and 30+ points four times this season, the most of any NBA rookie.