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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced today that they have signed forward Paolo Banchero to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are thrilled to keep Paolo Banchero in a Magic uniform for years to come,” said Jeff Weltman, President of Basketball Operations for the Magic. “At just 22, he’s already an NBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and one of the brightest young stars in the league. This agreement reflects our belief in Paolo’s talent, leadership, and his commitment to winning in Orlando, as well as his belief in this organization and our city.”
Banchero’s Standout Season and Historic Milestones
The 6’10”, 250-pound forward had an exceptional season in 2024-25, playing and starting in 46 games while averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Banchero became one of only three players in NBA history — alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic — to compile 4,000+ points, 1,300+ rebounds, and 900+ assists before the age of 23.
Notably, Banchero became the fourth player in Magic history to score 50 or more points in a game, recording a career-high 50 points against Indiana on October 28. He also logged 20+ points in 20 consecutive games and had a five-game streak of 30+ points, tying for the fourth-longest in franchise history. His outstanding performance earned him NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for the period ending March 30.
Playoff Heroics and Franchise Records
Banchero elevated his game during the postseason, starting in five playoff games and averaging 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He scored 25+ points in seven consecutive playoff games, tying legends Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the longest streak before turning 23.
He also became one of only two players in Magic history — along with Tracy McGrady — to record three or more 30+ point playoff games in multiple series.
Rising Star Since Day One
Selected by Orlando as the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has played in 198 career regular-season games, averaging 22.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. His accolades include the 2022-23 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, 2023-24 NBA All-Star, and two-time NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
Before entering the NBA, Banchero starred at Duke University, where he was named ACC Freshman of the Year, earned multiple All-America selections, and led the Blue Devils to the 2022 NCAA Final Four.
For more Orlando Magic coverage, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando City SC (7-4-6, 27 points) suffered a 3-1 defeat against Chicago Fire FC (6-5-4, 22 points) Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The result marked the Lions’ first home loss to Chicago since 2019 and the first time this season Orlando City has dropped consecutive matches.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Chicago wasted no time setting the tone, with forward Philip Zinckernagel scoring just five minutes into the match. The Fire then capitalized on defensive lapses, scoring twice in the span of two minutes. Forward Hugo Cuypers struck in the 31st and 32nd minutes, giving Chicago a commanding 3-0 lead.
Orlando fought to close the gap, outshooting Chicago 28-10, and Defender Alex Freeman found the back of the net in the 39th minute, marking his fourth career goal for the Lions. Despite the attacking pressure, Orlando was unable to mount a comeback.
COACH’S COMMENTS:
Assistant Coach Diego Torres stepped in for Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who was suspended following a red card in the Lions’ last match. After the game, Torres praised the team’s offensive effort despite the result.
“The team created many chances. We’re one of the strongest attacking sides in the league, but sometimes the goal just closes to you. Today, two quick distractions cost us the match, but this team is resilient. We’ve bounced back before and we’ll do it again,” said Torres.
MATCH NOTES:
Assistant Coach Diego Torres led the team due to Oscar Pareja’s suspension.
Midfielder Dagur Dan Thórhallsson made his 100th appearance for Orlando City across all competitions, entering in the 77th minute.
Alex Freeman’s goal in the 39th minute marked his fourth career score.
Martín Ojeda recorded his sixth assist of the season and 29th career assist across all competitions with the helper on Freeman’s goal.
Orlando made two changes to the Starting XI from Wednesday’s match, with Eduard Atuesta and Luis Muriel returning to the lineup.
NEXT MATCH:
Orlando City heads into an international break after completing nine matches in 28 days in May. The Lions will return to action on Saturday, June 14, traveling to face the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
HEINEKEN STAR OF THE MATCH:
Martín Ojeda
MATCH STATS:
| Category | Orlando City | Chicago Fire |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 54.5% | 45.5% |
| Shots | 28 | 10 |
| Saves | 1 | 4 |
| Fouls | 12 | 13 |
| Corners | 13 | 1 |
| Attendance | 21,024 | — |
SCORING SUMMARY:
5’ CHI – Philip Zinckernagel (Mauricio Pineda)
31’ CHI – Hugo Cuypers (Philip Zinckernagel, Jonathan Dean)
32’ CHI – Hugo Cuypers (Philip Zinckernagel)
39’ ORL – Alex Freeman (Martín Ojeda)
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