In a move that screams ambition and hope, the Orlando Magic have solidified their future by securing their centerpiece, Paolo Banchero, with a lavish five-year, $287 million rookie contract extension. It’s an investment that suggests Orlando is re-calibrating its sights on winning big, reminiscent of the days when they towered over opponents with the likes of a beaming Dwight Howard at the helm. The message is clear: the Magic are tired of playing in the shadow and are ready to roar with intent.
For those who might not have been paying attention, Banchero’s rapid rise and impact have been nothing short of spectacular. Hailing from Seattle and refining his craft at Duke before the NBA came calling, he was the No. 1 overall draft choice in 2022—a decision that has paid dividends for the Magic. Awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging a dazzling 20.0 points and grabbing close to seven rebounds per game, Banchero reaffirmed that Orlando’s future revolves around his broad shoulders. But he wasn’t done. In his second year, he exhibited even more explosive play, upping his ante to 22.6 points per game and snatching an All-Star selection in 2024.
Banchero’s drive didn’t dwindle in the following season where he put on a showcase, scoring 25.9 points on average, teaming those points with 7.5 rebounds, and distributing 4.8 assists per game. It’s performances like these that have Orlando fans dreaming of parades and banners, instead of agonizing over bygone eras and missed opportunities.
The Magic’s playoff return last season—culminating in a Southeast Division title and a 41-41 record—signaled a turning point for the franchise, rekindling hopes after several lackluster years marred with spotty and underwhelming playoff attempts. With powerhouses like Boston and New York making aggressive chess moves in the Eastern Conference, Orlando’s own recent adjustments scream of a team aiming to level up.
Bolstered by Paolo Banchero, the high-flying forwards Franz Wagner, and the addition of sharpshooter Desmond Bane—a strategic acquisition that saw Orlando parting ways with five first-round picks—the Magic’s war room is undoubtedly oriented towards immediate success. The pieces seem to have finally come together, giving Orlando a puncher’s chance in the postseason—a phrase that’s been rather elusive till now.
While the Magic’s executive suite might be toasting this contract as a reminder of their seriousness, Banchero’s burgeoning popularity isn’t stopping at the turnstiles. He’s lighting the card collector’s market on fire. Despite Orlando not fitting the bill of a major media market—often a precursor to star card values—Banchero’s breathtaking performances and fresh deal have collectors’ wallets abuzz. Casual collectors find solace in affordable Banchero memorabilia, such as the 2023-24 Panini Select Retail Blue, a steal for about a buck. Meanwhile, his Duke rookie offerings from the 2022 Panini Contenders are a budget-savvy favorite, listed at $1.59 on platforms like eBay.
Yet, for those with deeper pockets seeking more splendor, the stakes climb higher. The 2022-23 Panini Obsidian Rookie Eruption Auto (#/75) is edging towards the $200 bracket, and the 2022 Panini Prizm Penmanship Purple Ice Auto (#/99) sees fluctuations between $200 in Near Mint shape and peaks at $500 if presented in Mint condition, echoing Beckett’s estimates.
Savvy investors and die-hard Magic aficionados may want to consider bolstering their Banchero collection now before his skyrocketing trajectory fuels even steeper price ascents. If Orlando’s postseason aspirations pan out, those collectibles will reflect every step of this team’s invigorating evolution.
All in all, securing Banchero’s signature not only reinforces Orlando’s intent and ambition but sets a tone of resurgence and possibly redemption for a franchise with an eye firmly set on reclaiming its once-proud status in the NBA’s echelons. As the court lights dim across the league, it seems that the Magic are once again ready to enthrall, led by Banchero, who’s carving his own path to stardom in neon and navy glory.
