Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2022.
Banchero becomes the ninth player in franchise history to be named the league’s Rookie of the Month, joining Dennis Scott, Shaquille O’Neal (four times), Anfernee Hardaway (twice), Mike Miller (twice), Victor Oladipo (twice), Elfrid Payton, R.J. Hampton and Franz Wagner.
Banchero (6’10”, 255, 11/12/02) played and started in 15 games during December, averaging 19.1 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 4.1 apg. and 1.07 stlpg. in 33.5 minpg. He led all NBA rookies in scoring and minutes played, while ranking second in assists. Banchero scored 20+ points in seven consecutive games from Dec. 5-18, tying the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history (O’Neal, Feb. 11-26, 1993).
Selected in the first round (first overall) of the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has played and started in 30 games this season with Orlando, averaging a team-high 20.9 ppg., 6.7 rpg. and 3.9 apg. in 34.1 minpg. He ranks among all NBA leaders in scoring (33rd) and minutes played (T-36th). Banchero leads all NBA rookies in scoring and minutes played, while also ranking among leaders in rebounding (3rd), assists (2nd), FG percentage (8th, .435), free throw percentage (6th, .755), steals (5th) and blocked shots (6th). He has scored 20+ points 21 times this season, the most of any NBA rookie.
