Although the Orlando Magic didn’t make the NBA playoffs this year, the team still has plenty of reason to celebrate.
Paolo Banchero was unanimously selected as one of the five rookies named to the 2022-2023 Kia NBA All-Rookie team on Monday, May 8. Banchero, who was named the NBA Rookie of the Year last month, was the only unanimous selection, matching his selection as ROTY.
Four other players were recognized for their stellar performances throughout the season: Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams.
The Orlando Magic finished the year in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 34-48. However, the team won 12 more games this year than in the previous season, when they finished in last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-60.
This season, the Magic were only six games back of the last play-in spot to make the playoffs.
During remarks made on TNT while receiving his ROTY award, Banchero suggested that the team made waves this past year.
“We had a great finish to the year, where, you know, we kinda put ourselves on the map a little bit across the league,” said Banchero.