Paolo Banchero

Player Information

Paolo Napoleon James Banchero is an Italian-American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils and was named the Rookie of the Year in 2023. Banchero was born on November 12, 2002, in Seattle, Washington. He was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 NBA draft, where he has since established himself as a rising star in the league.
Full Name :
Paolo Napoleon James Banchero
Birthdate :
12 November 2002
Birthplace :
Seattle, Washington, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
208
Weight (kg) :
113
Nationality :
American
Parents :
Mario Banchero (Father), Rhonda Smith (Mother)
Education :
O'Dea (Seattle, Washington) (High School), Duke (College)
Career Started :
2022
Notable Achievements :
NBA Rookie of the Year (2023), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2023), Consensus second-team All-American (2022), First-team All-ACC (2022), ACC Rookie of the Year (2022), McDonald's All-American (2021)
Awards :
NBA All-Star (Win Year 2024)
Current Team :
Orlando Magic
Drafted :
2022
Drafted by :
Orlando Magic
Active Status :
From - 2022, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2025 to 2030, Salary $239,000,000 USD

Biography

Paolo Banchero is a notable NBA player, selected as the initial overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He displayed his exceptional talent at Duke University and has quickly made an impact in the league. In the 2023-24 season, Banchero averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while earning Rookie of the Year honors. His skill set and competitive spirit make him a rising star. There is much more to uncover about his path and achievements.

Early Life

Paolo Banchero is an accomplished NBA player who illustrated exceptional talent from a young age. During his childhood, he exhibited his athletic abilities in multiple sports, particularly excelling in basketball.

He attended O’Dea High School, where he earned five-star status and was recognized as the Washington Boys Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year during his junior year. His versatility was further highlighted by his role as a quarterback on the school’s football team.

Following his high school success, he committed to Duke University, choosing the prestigious program over other top schools such as Kentucky, North Carolina, and Gonzaga.

Family Life

Paolo Banchero was raised in a sports-oriented family. His mother, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, played college basketball, which greatly influenced his athletic pursuits.

He has two younger siblings: a sister named Mia and a brother named Lio. His parents, Rhonda and Mario Banchero, have been incredibly supportive of his basketball path, attending numerous games as he progressed from high school to the NBA.

Furthermore, Paolo demonstrated his athletic versatility by playing quarterback for his high school football team before fully committing to basketball.

Career

Paolo Banchero, selected as the 1st top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has rapidly established himself as a standout player in the NBA.

In the 2023-24 season, he exhibited his scoring ability by averaging 25.9 points, along with 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, emphasizing his notable impact on the game.

Banchero’s efficiency on the court is highlighted by his impressive Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 26.2. He also showcased strong shooting capabilities, achieving a career field goal percentage of 45.5% and a three-point shooting percentage of 32.0%.

As a rising star, Banchero continues to make waves in the league with his versatile skill set and competitive spirit.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Paolo Banchero’s net worth is estimated to be around $22,663,200, primarily driven by his earnings from professional basketball.

His current contract with the Orlando Magic includes a salary of $12,160,800 for the 2024-25 season and $15,334,769 for the 2025-26 season.

His impressive performance during the 2024-25 season, averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, further boosts his marketability and financial prospects in the NBA.