Resetting the NBA Rookie of the Year race: Is Paolo Banchero still on top?

1. Paolo Banchero — Orlando Magic

Paolo Banchero’s shooting has really tailed off as the season has gone along but he’s still been the best and most productive rookie in the league by a decent margin. Banchero went an abysmal 1-of-33 from beyond the arc in February, dropping his season-long 3-point percentage to 27.4. But even in that horrific stretch, there were some positive signs — like him hitting a relatively robust 43.4 percent of his pull-up 2-pointers.

It would be nice if Banchero could be a consistent outside threat but he’s still been a force inside this season. He’s averaging 19.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 69 percent around the basket. No rookie averages more points per game on drives or draws fouls on a higher percentage of their drives.

There is still so much upside to be had in his game, and it’s not just about development as a shooter. Even at 3.6 assists per game, it’s fair to say he’s just scratching the surface of his potential as a passer and facilitator. He passes on an extremely low 26.2 percent of his drives and his teammates have made just 30.3 percent of their 3s after a pass from Banchero. Put better shooters around him, let him get more comfortable with the ball in his hands and he could easily be a primary hub.

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