TMZ.com
Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is about to make the leap to elite standing … so says Wendell Carter Jr., who tells TMZ Sports activities there is not any doubt in his thoughts his teammate will contend for the NBA’s Most Precious Participant award this season.
The 21-year-old former No. 1 general decide improved in almost each statistical class in his sophomore outing … incomes himself All-Star honors after averaging 22.6 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists — and main his Magic to the playoffs.
Many count on the previous Duke standout to construct off that momentum in his third season — together with Carter, Jr., who spoke extremely of the younger hooper whereas out at LAX this week.
“He will be [an MVP candidate] for sure,” he instructed us.
For what it is value, the betting odds for Banchero to hoist the Michael Jordan Trophy this season are +50000 … so when you belief WCJ’s prediction, there is a ton of cash to be made.
As for his squad, Carter, Jr. additionally expects them to take issues to the subsequent stage within the postseason … and he actually believes they’ll construct off taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to Sport 7 of their first-round matchup final 12 months.
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In actual fact, after we requested if we might see Orlando within the Jap Convention Finals in 2025, Carter Jr. did not hesitate along with his response.