Paolo Banchero's All-Star Hopes Dim Amid Struggles

Injuries and performance issues put the Magic star's NBA All-Star and Team USA aspirations at risk.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Paolo Banchero, the young star of the Orlando Magic, is facing a challenging season that has jeopardized his chances of making the NBA All-Star team and earning a spot on the U.S. national team. Injuries to Banchero and teammate Franz Wagner have derailed the Magic's plans to showcase their young talent, and Banchero's on-court struggles have sparked doubts about his immediate and long-term standing among the league's elite players. With fierce competition for limited roster spots on Team USA, Banchero must prove his readiness and consistency to maintain his trajectory on the national team.

Why it matters

Banchero's struggles are a setback for the Magic, who had hoped to showcase their young stars as potential All-Stars this season. The competition for spots on the U.S. national team is also intensifying, and Banchero's performance will be crucial in determining whether he remains a part of the national team's plans for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

The details

Despite a maximum contract extension from the Magic, Banchero's performance this season has been inconsistent, with injuries and defensive lapses hampering his progress. The Magic's absence from the All-Star Game this year has further diminished the team's talent recognition, and Banchero's inclusion on the preliminary depth chart for Team USA is notably absent, indicating the competitive nature of the selection process. Banchero's established ties within the Team USA framework, including his previous World Cup experience and connections with coaches like Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra, provide him with some advantages, but he must still prove his readiness and consistency to solidify his spot on the national team.

  • In December, teammate Franz Wagner suffered a high ankle sprain, ruling him out of All-Star contention early.
  • During the Magic's European trip in January, Banchero expressed enthusiasm about potentially playing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A young star of the Orlando Magic who was expected to be an All-Star this season, but has faced injuries and performance challenges that have jeopardized his chances.

Franz Wagner

Banchero's teammate on the Orlando Magic, who suffered a high ankle sprain in December, indirectly impacting Banchero's All-Star chances.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the U.S. national team, who praised Banchero's role as a backup center during the 2023 World Cup.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat and an assistant on the U.S. national team, who has witnessed Banchero's performances firsthand in Magic versus Heat matchups.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, who is involved with the Team USA Select Team program, further cementing Banchero's ties to the national setup.

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What they’re saying

“Being in the U.S. and L.A., it's going to be in our backyard. And I'm a West Coast kid from Seattle, so LA is not far. And so, if I was able to be on that team, it would be a huge, huge opportunity. I'm sure I would put my all on the line to try and get the gold medal.”

— Paolo Banchero (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

To solidify a spot on Team USA, especially given the scarcity of frontcourt options, significant improvement and consistency in the upcoming seasons are essential for Paolo Banchero.

The takeaway

Banchero's struggles this season have put his All-Star and Team USA aspirations at risk, highlighting the competitive nature of roster selection and the need for him to prove his readiness and consistency to maintain his trajectory as one of the league's rising young stars.