Las Vegas — Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero said he has quickly built a strong rapport with newly hired head coach Sean Sweeney, calling their early work together “really exciting” as the club prepares for the 2026-27 season.
“He flew to Seattle last week and worked out with me for a couple of days, and we’ve been in the gym here in Vegas with the rest of the staff,” Banchero told Yahoo Sports. “He’s intense, detail-oriented and great on both ends. That’s what I need and what the team needs.”
Entering his fifth NBA campaign, the 23-year-old said overall improvement remains his focus, with offensive efficiency at the top of the list.
Vucevic happy to be back, not thinking retirement
Center Nikola Vucevic, who spent more than eight seasons in Orlando before a 2021 trade to Chicago, discussed his decision to rejoin the Magic during Monday’s media session. The 35-year-old believes the roster is poised to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2009-10.
“This team can take the next step,” Vucevic said. “I’ve never gone past the first round with the Magic. Doing that together would be amazing.”
Vucevic added that retirement is not yet on his radar. “If things go well, I’d love to stay in Orlando for a few more years. It would be a great way to finish, but I’m not thinking about that yet.”
Penda sharp in Summer League opener
Second-year forward Noah Penda poured in 23 points and knocked down 5-of-10 three-pointers in Thursday’s Summer League debut. After shooting 32.3 percent from deep as a rookie, the 21-year-old said floor spacing is essential to his role alongside Franz Wagner and Banchero. “I know this is what’s going to keep me on the floor next year,” he noted.
Nelson motivated by two-way deal
Rookie big man Izaiyah Nelson, selected 51st overall last month, called the draft moment “a dream come true.” The former USF standout, who often visited Orlando growing up, signed a two-year, two-way contract and aims to earn a standard NBA deal. “I’ve always been overlooked, so why let this two-way stop me now?” the 6-10 forward/center said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
