Paolo Banchero Credits Teammate For Leadership Role

The Orlando Magic have a very young talented team. They possessed the first overall pick coming into the season and they did not disappoint in their selection. Paolo Banchero has been playing like a rookie of the year candidate but also credits teammate Jonathan Isaac for his leadership role.

The Magic last night against the Celtics proved to be the better team. The appearance of Isaac however, took center stage. Isaac has not played a game since injuring his ACL in the bubble season in 2020. He was welcomed onto the court with cheers and played in just 9 minutes but had 10 points and three rebounds in the win.

In the post-game, the Magic rookie who led the team in scoring mentioned the role Isaac has played since he entered the league. "Jonathan was one of the first guys to text my phone." Banchero also added that "he's (Isaac) been a huge leader in the locker room for everybody, a positive voice." Banchero was also appreciative of all "the little things he does as a teammate."

"Jonathan (Isaac) was one of the first guys to text my phone after I was drafted here. He's been a huge leader in the locker room for everybody, a positive voice, sending messages to the group chat... All the little things he does as a teammate."

🎙@Pp_doesit @OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/XPyCzvdiBs
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) January 24, 2023

Although Isaac is only in his sixth season in the league he has taken on the leadership role for a young Magic squad. Orlando came into the year as the fourth youngest team in the NBA with an average age of 23.94. Clearly, they are in need of someone stepping up to help anchor the team and be the voice in the locker room. For Banchero, it's Isaac.

Franz Wagner is 6’10”
Paolo Banchero is 6’10”
Wendell Carter Jr. is 6’10”
Jonathan Isaac is 6’10”
Mo Wagner is 6’11”
Mo Bamba is 7’0”
Bol Bol is 7’2”

The amount of length and versatility on a healthy Magic roster is otherworldly. pic.twitter.com/aUCJGWcJul
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) January 23, 2023

The Orlando Magic are currently the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference. They are only 4.5 games off for a possible play-in position. With rising stars on the team and almost a shoo-in for the rookie of the year award in Banchero, the team definitely has a shot. The Magic are 5-5 in their last ten games, but with the return of Isaac, they have enough time to turn their season around.