NBA parity gives hope to Paolo Banchero about Magic’s odds

It’s been three weeks since the Magic were eliminated from the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Celtics, and Banchero has taken that time to reflect on the season while thinking about what’s possible in the future. Meeting with local teens Tuesday at a Planet Fitness in the SoDo District of Orlando to promote mental and physical health, Banchero looked back on his third year in the league that saw him average career-high numbers (25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists). He faced his toughest challenge yet when he tore his right abdominal muscle in just the fifth game of the season, but was able to return and help lift Jamahl Mosley’s squad to a second straight postseason. “I definitely did a lot of reflecting on my season as an individual [and] as a team, our season,” he said. “I’ve been keeping to myself, but I’m in touch with some of my teammates, checking on them … But I definitely took time to think back on the season and how it went.”

So far, Banchero is enjoying his summer break. Not long ago, he traveled to New York City and is planning to return to his hometown of Seattle in the coming weeks. His agent Mike Miller, who played three seasons for the Magic, recently posted photos on Instagram of Banchero working on an indoor basketball court. “I’ve been in the gym but I haven’t done any strength or stuff yet,” Banchero said. “So, kind of building towards that but I’ve really just been trying to relax my mind, my body. I’ve been enjoying my own time. “I’m looking forward to getting back started the next few months,” he added.

Banchero has also watched the rest of the playoffs, which enter into the conference finals this week. The NBA’s final four consists of the Knicks, Pacers, Thunder and Timberwolves – meaning for the first time in league history, there will be seven different champions in seven years. There’s also a good chance a brand new champion will be crowned. Indiana, Oklahoma City and Minnesota have never won a title – OKC doesn’t claim the 1979 championship won when the franchise was located in Seattle.  New York hasn’t won since 1973.

Banchero believes the Magic can capitalize on the league’s parity. Orlando has only reached the Finals twice in franchise history (1995 and 2009). “You don’t know how excited I am just seeing all of these new teams in the conference finals,” he said. “Definitely going to have a new champion this year and so, it just excites you because that could be us.

Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com