The Orlando Magic have made a bold, resounding statement, effectively announcing they are done with the glacial “rebuild” phase and are now ready for prime time. By securing their young star, Paolo Banchero, on a five-year, $287 million max rookie contract extension, they’ve staked a claim on the NBA future, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the years to come.

This blockbuster deal is more than just about retaining a talented player; it’s a declaration of intent. Banchero’s presence has reinvigorated a franchise that yearns to return to the days when teams dreaded their visits to the Amway Center. Remember the heyday with Dwight Howard, where every dunk was a statement and every game felt like a clash of titans? Orlando seems eager to turn back the clock and recreate that era of magic.

Paolo Banchero, hailing from Seattle, emerged as a force to be reckoned with during his years at Duke. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2022, he immediately showcased his prowess by clinching the NBA Rookie of the Year award with thrilling averages of 20 points and nearly 7 rebounds a game. Banchero’s ceiling looked even higher as he clocked his second season with an average of 22.6 points per game, earning him his maiden All-Star appearance in 2024.

Last season Banchero elevated his game to a superstar level, dazzling NBA arenas nationwide with a stellar 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per outing. His evolution not only electrifies the Magic faithful but also casts a hopeful gleam on the franchise’s potential.

The playoff-starved Magic, who had flirted with postseason appearances only to exit stage left prematurely, finally broke through last season. Their hard-earned Southeast Division title, attained with a balanced 41-41 record, has fans dreaming of more than just participation ribbons.

The Eastern Conference appears to be in a constant state of turbulence, courtesy of perennial powerhouses like Boston and New York, both of whom have jazzed up their lineups. But Orlando, with its strategic maneuvers, believes it can seize this opportunity to climb the ranks. The addition of Desmond Bane, acquired with a treasure chest of five first-round picks, complements a growing roster capped off with Banchero’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability. The enigmatic Franz Wagner also joins the mix, adding further depth to a team ready to rock the quiet streets of Magic’s hometown and beyond.

Beyond the basketball court, Banchero’s ripple effect extends to the lucrative world of sports collectibles. While Orlando may not command the media gaze like the coasts’ glitzier teams, Banchero’s traction in the card market is nothing if not compelling. Everyday collectors can lay their hands on a base 2023-24 Panini Select Retail Blue Banchero card for about a dollar, a testament to both its accessibility and rising popularity. His 2022 Panini Contenders Duke rookie card also slides in at an affordable $1.59.

For those who live and breathe elite collections, the stakes—and the prices—are predictably higher. Banchero’s artistry displayed on the 2022-23 Panini Obsidian Rookie Eruption Auto (#/75) is flirting with the $200 marker, while the highly coveted 2022 Panini Prizm Penmanship Purple Ice Auto (#/99) swings between $200 for Near Mint to an eye-popping $500 for those perched on Mint condition perches, if Beckett’s data is to be believed.

Orlando Magic fans, whether they’re passionate ball watchers or card enthusiasts—or both—are in for a ride. Banchero, with his evolving skills and the sheen of his contract extension, has injected a pulse into the Magic’s otherwise staid lineup, sparking interest and intrigue. Now, with the playoffs firmly in their crosshairs, his playing synergy with a revamped Magic team could potentially spell more than just another playoff cameo; it could herald a fairy tale comeback for a city that remembers what winning big feels like.

For those contemplating boosting their Banchero memorabilia, now might be the perfect time to invest before the prices potentially skyrocket with Orlando’s anticipated surge into playoff chapters. After all, with the combination of Banchero’s continued ascension and the Magic’s growing ambition, the only way left for Orlando to move is up—and it’s going to be magical.

Paulo Banchero 5 Year Max Deal