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TMZ.com
Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is about to make the soar to elite standing … so says Wendell Carter Jr., who tells TMZ Sports there isn’t any doubt in his thoughts his teammate will contend for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award this season.
The 21-year-old former No. 1 general decide improved in practically each statistical class in his sophomore outing … incomes himself All-Star honors after averaging 22.6 factors, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists — and main his Magic to the playoffs.
Many count on the previous Duke standout to construct off that momentum in his third season — together with Carter, Jr., who spoke extremely of the younger hooper whereas out at LAX this week.
“He shall be [an MVP candidate] for certain,” he informed us.
For what it is value, the betting odds for Banchero to hoist the Michael Jordan Trophy this season are +50000 … so in the event you belief WCJ’s prediction, there is a ton of cash to be made.
As for his squad, Carter, Jr. additionally expects them to take issues to the subsequent degree within the postseason … and he actually believes they will construct off taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to Game 7 of their first-round matchup final 12 months.
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In truth, once we requested if we may see Orlando within the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025, Carter Jr. did not hesitate together with his response.