Hold onto your seats, Orlando Magic fans—big things are brewing in the City Beautiful! The dog days of rebuilding appear to be waning, as the franchise has inked its dazzling young power forward, Paolo Banchero, to an eye-popping five-year, $287 million max rookie contract extension. If you thought the Orlando Magic were content with slowly lurking in the NBA’s shadows, think again. They’ve signaled that the time is now to vie for not just regular season bragging rights but to return to those thrilling playoff nights.
Paolo Banchero, the beacon of hope drafted No. 1 overall in 2022, has certainly lived up to his megawatt potential. His impeccable performances on the court have been a delight for even the most hard-to-please basketball aficionados. The Seattle native and Duke prodigy let the world know he meant business right out of the gates by snagging the NBA Rookie of the Year award with a sterling 20.0 points per game and nearly 7 rebounds a night. By the time year two rolled around, Banchero cranked up the heat to a sizzling 22.6 points per game, earning his first All-Star nod and leaving the entire NBA universe buzzing with anticipation.
Last season, Banchero soared even higher, posting astronomical numbers—25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. It’s no wonder the Orlando faithful are feeling more upbeat lately. After all, it’s been a hot minute since the Magic danced with the NBA elite in the post-season. This past season saw them shake off the disappointments of yesteryear, capturing the Southeast Division title with a balanced 41-41 record, finally breaking the playoff curse that seemed unbreakable.
And how about the rest of the cast? Alongside Banchero, talented wing Franz Wagner is blossoming into a formidable player, showcasing a gritty edge that spells trouble for opponents. The Magic’s front office further doubled down on their ambitions by giving away five first-rounders to snatch the sharpshooting dynamo Desmond Bane, clearly signaling they’re in full win-now mode. The Eastern Conference may be doing the shuffle, with teams like Boston and New York looking to reinvent themselves, but Orlando isn’t taking a back seat—the stage is set, and they are ready to seize the day.
For the collectible trading card enthusiasts, Paolo Banchero has developed into a hot commodity. Even though the Magic might not be a traditional big-market team, Banchero’s latest contract and stellar play have collectors up in arms, eager to snap up his memorabilia. Budget collectors can still find a deal or two; for instance, a basic 2023-24 Panini Select Retail Blue Banchero card can be yours for a tantalizingly low price of around a dollar. Even his Duke rookie card from the 2022 Panini Contenders series recently made waves on eBay, fetching a charming $1.59—a price point perfect for a budding collection.
For those with deeper pockets and an eye for prestige, the escalation in price is of no surprise. Banchero’s 2022-23 Panini Obsidian Rookie Eruption Auto (#/75) is flirting with the $200 threshold, while his 2022 Panini Prizm Penmanship Purple Ice Auto (#/99) dances anywhere between $200 (Near Mint) and a hefty $500 (Mint condition), according to the market barometers at Beckett.
What does this mean for the Magic fans? Well, if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines with a Banchero card itch, now might be the opportune moment to strengthen your collection before the surge really hits. With the Magic’s potential playoff run pegged by optimism and skillful executions, investment returns on Banchero-related nostalgia could skyrocket.
The Orlando Magic, underpinned by Banchero’s undeniable talents, are undeniably on the ascent. They’ve grown weary of playing second fiddle while the heavyweights of the league bask in the limelight. By securing their prodigious All-Star with this mammoth contract extension, they’re not just trying to restore the glories of the Dwight Howard era—they’re looking to surpass it. And as the NBA landscape looks toward a fresh season loaded with rivalries and storied comebacks, the Magic’s determined stride onto the scene couldn’t be more perfectly timed. So here’s to a promising chapter in Magic history, where dreams of championship parades are no longer just whispers floating through the aisles of Amway Center.
