Paolo Banchero highlighted the influence of Kevin Durant and former Orlando Magic assistant coach God Shammgod during media day, focusing on the lessons he has taken from both while continuing to develop his game.
Banchero drew attention over the summer when photos and video surfaced of him working out with Durant. However, the Orlando forward said the session was not an unusual collaboration between the two players.
“It’s funny, everybody keeps asking me about the workouts,” Banchero laughed, according to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “That was only one workout, there just happened to be cameras there. But I love working with KD. I have in the past before.”
While Banchero and Durant have different physical profiles and styles of play, the Magic star said the biggest lessons have come from Durant’s approach to training.
“Obviously, our games are a lot different, and our bodies are a lot different,” Banchero explained. “But I think the biggest thing I take from him is just how he works out, the intensity at which he works out, and how every rep he does is game speed, you know? I think those are the biggest things I’ve learned from him.”
Banchero also appreciates having the opportunity to learn directly from a player he considers one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
“Just for him to allow me to work out with him, take me under his wing a little bit and give me some pointers—it’s definitely a help,” Banchero said.
Banchero also discussed the impact Shammgod had on his development during his time with Orlando. Shammgod worked with Banchero on the court while serving as a Magic assistant before joining the New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching staff.
“Sham was a huge help when he was here,” Banchero said. “Not only on the court, but off the court as well, just the communication and some of the wisdom he gave me.”
Although Shammgod is no longer with Orlando, the relationship has continued.
“We still keep in contact,” Banchero shared. “He texted me this morning, actually, so me and him do talk. He’s a great guy, a great basketball mind, so it was a blessing to be able to work with him for a season and get to learn from him as well.”
Banchero enters his fifth NBA season after averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 72 games for Orlando in 2025-26. He has increased his scoring average from 20.0 points as a rookie to a career-high 25.9 in 46 games in 2024-25 before settling at 22.2 last season.
The Magic finished 45-37 last season and reached the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, but they lost a seven-game first-round series to the Detroit Pistons after taking a 3-1 lead. Orlando enters the new season with a coaching change, as Sean Sweeney replaces Jamahl Mosley.
Banchero remains at the center of Orlando’s core alongside Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs, with the team hoping continued development from its young stars can translate into a deeper postseason run.
