ORLANDO — Paolo Banchero, the franchise cornerstone of the Orlando Magic, is spending his summer overhauling his body and his mindset after three consecutive first-round playoff exits, telling multiple outlets that the 2027 season must be different.
“After losing three years in a row in the first round, that sense of urgency is definitely there for me,” Banchero said on the Stephen A. Smith Show. “Just (trying) to work as hard as I can and keep my mind on the main goal, which is obviously to win in the postseason and to get past the first round and deep into the playoffs.”
The 6-foot-10 forward, the 2022 NBA first overall pick out of Duke, has the postseason numbers to back up his ambition. His career playoff averages — 27.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 43.8 percent shooting from the floor and 38.5 percent from 3-point range — jump in nearly every meaningful category from his regular-season marks. But individual production has not translated to series wins.
Health has been the recurring obstacle. An oblique injury sidelined Banchero for 34 games during the 2024-25 season, and a groin injury forced him to miss 10 outings in 2025-26. The Magic held a 3-1 series lead over the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons last spring before a right calf strain knocked Franz Wagner out and flipped the series. “Franz is an absolute key to our team,” Banchero said. “We’re not the same when he’s not out there. You could see that once he went down.”
“I think the biggest thing is just to be in elite shape,” Banchero explained. “The last two seasons I’ve dealt with a little bit of injuries. So, being in elite shape, making sure my body is ready for the grind of the season, ready to go the distance, and getting my mind (right). Challenging my mind with workouts and certain things I’m doing, conditioning, and just trying to be bulletproof almost, if I can.”
New head coach Sean Sweeney has already taken notice. Sweeney flew to Seattle to spend time with Banchero and came away impressed. “He’s a smart kid,” Sweeney said on the Ryen Russillo Show. “He’s serious about how he wants to be a great player and a great winner in this league. He’s in great shape and working his (butt) off, which is important.”
The commitment extends beyond Banchero. During NBA Summer League, every Magic player without overseas obligations gathered in Las Vegas for a team dinner and workouts — a show of unity that staff member Bakker called significant. “That’s huge,” Bakker said. “I think that sets the tone for the regular season. Guys making the commitment. In the summer, they could be anywhere. But they’re here.”
Orlando won 45 games last season despite the injury adversity, and Banchero said the locker room believes the roster is built to contend. “In the building (when) we all look each other in the eyes, we know that our team is enough,” he said. “We have things that a lot of teams don’t have, and we know that.” Still, he is placing the burden squarely on himself heading into training camp. “Obviously, I do play really well in the playoffs, but it hasn’t been enough,” Banchero said. “I’m kind of starting back from zero. I feel like we have to take the next step. I have to take the next step. So, I’m just putting that pressure on myself. Not in a bad way, in a good way.”