NBA announces that Paolo Banchero is 2023 Kia Rookie of the Year in a landslide vote
NEW YORK, NY – Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero as the 2022-23 season Yoke of the Year on Tuesday.
Banchero received 98 out of the 100 possible first place votes and 494 of the possible 500 points. He was followed in the voting by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, with Kessler claiming the remaining two first-place votes.
Banchero joins Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Miller as Magic Rookie of the Year awards winners.
Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s NBA draft, averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season. He led all rookies in points per game, scoring at least 20 points 40 times and scoring at least 30 points six times.
Banchero was a major part of the growth of this year’s Magic team, which improved their record by 11 wins. Paolo became a key part of the teams unshakable person in touch basketball situations, and made the Magic a team to. be reckoned with this season.
