Paolo Banchero has been thrilled the Orlando Magic has won without him, reversing course following a slow start. He\u2019s got to be ecstatic that as he nears a return that could come as soon as Friday night\u2019s date with the Miami Heat, his team has persevered to where he isn\u2019t being handed a shovel upon returning.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no hole to dig out of, but there is a mission. Keep this return from being all about him, even as that appears impossible.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Banchero isn\u2019t oblivious to the criticism he\u2019s been subjected by some who have wondered why his team has been so more effective without him. It\u2019s not like it\u2019s only been internet trolls or analysts who troll for clicks and views.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Able to control only what he can control, he addressed reporters about the possibility of returning looking realistic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means a lot,\u201d Paolo Banchero said about having the chance to play Friday. \u201cYou don\u2019t take any opportunity to be on the court for granted and I\u2019ve been doing a lot to get back on the court, really ramping up trying to get back out there the guys. So hopefully I\u2019m able to go.\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/UVXIvkDRCs<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/iti7NUtmx0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jason Beede (@therealBeede) December 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t take any opportunity to be on the court for granted,\u201d Banchero said. \u201cI\u2019ve been doing a lot to get back on the court, really ramping up trying to get back out there (with) the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n Banchero returns looking to fit in, which is a situation different from the one he faced following his last lengthy absence. In missing more than two full months with a torn oblique last season, Banchero had already teased of a breakout with a 50-point outburst inside his first few games. He scored 31 in the game he went down, played through the pain in a 102-99 loss and returned with 34 points against the Bucks like nothing had ever happened.<\/p>\n The Magic had managed to survive without him, but he was still missed. Through these last three weeks, some have said Orlando is better off. Tracy McGrady, a Central Florida basketball legend due to his success in the prep ranks and with the Magic franchise, wasn’t shy about voicing his opinions. <\/p>\n McGrady’s cousin, Vince Carter, Central Florida basketball royalty from nearby Daytona Beach, has reported from the Magic’s bench. <\/p>\n Others have chimed in, like Orlando native Chandler Parsons on his show, who have claimed he\u2019s \u201cbeefed\u201d with coach Jamahl Mosley. <\/p>\n Paolo Banchero and Jamahl Mosley have beef, per @ChandlerParsons<\/a>‘ insider sources \ud83e\udd69<\/p>\n “I was just in Orlando for a long time and I asked a lot of questions… the sore subject is, ‘Are we better without Paolo Banchero?'”@MichelleDBeadle<\/a> | @boogiecousins<\/a> | @TeamLou23<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YwH9iDUVcp<\/a><\/p>\n