Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero spent the offseason focusing on one goal: improving his conditioning. After a grueling first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Banchero realized the importance of being in top physical shape to make a deep postseason run.
In an interview, Banchero reflected on the physical toll of the playoffs. “After that Game 7, I was all the way spent,” he told David Aldridge of The Athletic. He admitted that by the end of the series, he couldn’t imagine enduring another two or three rounds without better conditioning.
Banchero’s realization came after Orlando’s tough seven-game battle against Cleveland, where the Magic narrowly missed advancing. His standout performances, including a playoff career-high 39 points in Game 5, weren’t enough to push the Magic past the Cavaliers. But the experience left Banchero with valuable insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Throughout the summer, Banchero trained intensely in his hometown of Seattle. His workouts included climbing a notorious local hill known as “Heart Attack Hill.” The goal was simple: to get into the best shape possible for the 2024-25 NBA season.
“What I realized in the playoffs is that it takes you being in tip-top, elite shape to make a full run,” Banchero said. “I worked on my body three or four days a week—sometimes lifting, sometimes agility, some days conditioning.”
The Magic’s 2023-24 season was a step forward for the franchise. Orlando improved from a 34-48 record to 47-35, clinching their first playoff spot since the 2019-20 season. They also won the Southeast Division for the first time in five years. Despite their progress, the early playoff exit left Banchero and the team eager to build on last season’s success.
Banchero’s focus on his fitness reflects his desire to help the Magic make a deeper playoff run in the future. “It made me realize that I have to get in better shape, so that was my whole summer,” he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good habits throughout the regular season, with the goal of being in peak condition when the playoffs arrive.
As Orlando’s rising star, Banchero’s development is crucial for the team’s success. In his second season with the Magic, he averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His postseason debut was impressive, with several standout performances, including a 31-point, 14-rebound game in a dominant Game 3 victory over Cleveland.
Now entering his third season, Banchero is poised to take another step forward. The lessons he learned from last year’s playoffs—both physical and mental—have shaped his approach to the upcoming season.
With the 2024-25 season approaching, Orlando is looking to build on the momentum from last year. Banchero’s offseason work could be a key factor in the Magic’s ability to compete in the tough Eastern Conference.
Banchero’s playoff experience has clearly left a lasting impact. “Once you get to the playoffs, just having that second wind,” he noted, highlighting the need for endurance in high-stakes games. For Banchero and the Magic, the upcoming season will be an opportunity to prove that they’re ready for the next step.
