In his first game of the season, Banchero dropped 33 points and 11 points in a win over the Miami Heat. A week later, he had 50 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists against the Indiana Pacers, becoming the second-youngest player to have at least 50 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, behind only LeBron James.

He had 31 points and seven rebounds in a loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

Last season, Banchero posted 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game and led the Magic to a 47-35 record. It was Orlando’s best season since 2011, when the team won 52 games, led by Dwight Howard.

The Magic made the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and last season for just the third time in the last 12 years. Orlando narrowly failed to advance to the second round, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

The Magic are 3-2 so far this season and have a matchup against the Cavs on Friday. With its star sidelined, Orlando needs players like Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and others to step up.

Banchero, who is averaging 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists in five games, appears poised to make another big leap in the 2024-25 season, but unfortunately will have to put his year on hold as he withdraws from recovered from the injury.