When I walk into the facility or walk into game day, I want to know I’m prepared and in the best possible state mentally and physically that I can be. I’m spending that time getting a massage or stretching, making sure I get the right amount of sleep that I’m supposed to get, trying to do all the little things right. Other guys have a wife and kids or other obligations, but myself, I don’t have anything else to do but this. We’re here in the AdventHealth Training Center probably for three, four hours out of the day. You have all day to focus on your job and your craft, your body and yourself. It’s not like college, and in a good way. You’ve got to focus while also embracing it and having fun. Every win, every loss counts, so this is another level of seriousness that you’ve got to bring. The season is starting and it’s the real thing. Banchero plays his first regular season game Wednesday when Orlando visits Detroit.)Įverything counts now. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, will do a periodic diary for The Associated Press to chronicle his first season in the league. (AP) - (EDITOR’S NOTE: Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero, the No. I think we all embrace that.ORLANDO, Fla. I mean, it’s not going to happen overnight. Whether it’s their own agendas or the team agenda, with the recent struggles around here, we want to just put the Orlando Magic back to where they should be, which is the playoffs and in contention for championships. Everyone on this team kind of has something to prove. I really don’t have anyone out here with me right now, even to do stuff with. I like to leave the balcony door open because it’s always got a nice breeze. It’s got a nice vibe to it.Īs far as like what I do, I’m really in my place, just chilling. It’s not quiet and not packed with people. The city’s not too busy, but it’s also not boring. But just driving around the city, being around the city, it’s a nice city to be in and I feel like people here are very welcoming. I wouldn’t say I go out a lot or even go out to eat a lot. Orlando, the city, has been great so far. I think we have an understanding of what we all want to do and where we can get to with this team. We’re all forwards who can handle, pass and shoot. Really everyone, but I’d say Franz and Wendell are two guys who I immediately got that vibe from. I think we align a lot mentality-wise and just the way we see the game or how much we want to win. I picked up on that pretty early because I’m kind of the same way in terms of just being focused and having a serious approach and just trying to do whatever it takes to win. He’s focused, smart, student of the game, very, very smart player. I could go on about every player, but I feel like Franz Wagner just brings a certain level of seriousness to the team. It’s something I would like to win, for sure. Winning that award would mean a lot, but it’s not the end-all, be-all for me. But obviously, I expect myself to play well. The goal is to get to the play-in, or playoffs. One of my goals is to be rookie of the year. I think that’s how it’s always been for me. For myself, I want to play free, play instinctive and if I do that, everything else is going to take care of itself. We want to grow as a team, be better than we were the game before and, hopefully, every step we take will be in the right direction this year. We want to compete in our conference, whether it’s for a play-in or playoff spot, just trying to get there and play meaningful games later on in the season. You’ve got all the time in the world to just be your best self. That’s the best thing about being a professional.
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