Despite having had a bad month, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was able to match a feat only one other player achieved in franchise history.
Banchero was named NBA Eastern Conference’s Rookie of Month for February games, the league announced.
No. Banchero was the No.
He only shot 37.4% from the field, 3% on 3s (1-for-33) and 71.1% on 6.9 free throw attempts per game for a 44.8% true shooting accuracy — a formula that incorporates free throws and higher-value 3-point shots.
This was Banchero’s lowest-scoring and least-efficient shooting month, but he still took home the award after being a significant reason why the Magic went 6-5.
Banchero joined Shaquille O’Neal as the only Magic players to be named the league’s top rookie in three consecutive months. O’Neal did it four straight times.
Banchero, O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Mike Miller and Victor Oladipo are the only Magic players to be named Rookie of the Month more than once.
The Rookie of the month:
- Dennis Scott (March…
