Will Paolo Banchero look flying in Magic pinstripes like he did in purple on draft night? – Orlando Sentinel

When Paolo Banchero’s name was called up as the Orlando Magic’s No. 1 pick, it came as a surprise not only to fans, but to most teams in the NBA.

Not because he had doubts about his abilities, or because he didn’t deserve to be among the other two finalists Magic was considering. Rockets) — but it was surprising how tight-lipped Magic had been about their intentions.

There were no spoilers, no leaked information from the team. When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called out Paolo Banchero’s name, everyone in the basketball world knew it together.

When the 6-foot-10, 250-pound power forward got up from his chair and made his way to the stage, what they saw was purple streaks covered in speckles of glitter.

Banchero’s fashion decision to join the NBA that night in June was thrilling.

For Magic fans, questions began to swirl. Will the team’s next Shaquille O’Neal or Dwight Howard wear suits like the late Prince?

Will this 19-year-old shine with a P5 chain around his neck and become the much-anticipated rebuilding piece that will propel his team deep into the W column and back into the playoff picture?

While Magic fans are understandably pessimistic, it became clear during preseason and practice what Paolo Banchero could do and what he could do.

only time will tell.

In the meantime, let’s go back to the draft night suit.

Banchero said he chose purple because it’s his favorite color. Although he attended Duke University, Murasaki credits his parents for attending the University of Washington.

When asked if the rhinestones on the suit were real diamonds, Banchero said, “No, that would break my pocket.”

Shine has definitely made a statement, and it’s possible his pockets are starting to fill up quickly since draft night.

Just this week, Paolo Banchero signed a multi-year shoe deal with Jordan Brand, and it looks like the brand will headline the Air Jordan 37.

Some here at the Orlando Sentinels were impressed with Paolo’s Fashion Forward Draft Night Fit, but what about the rest of the team?

Well, we asked them. What did you guys think of Paolo’s suit?

But given that basketball is a team sport and scrutiny and praise should be shared as a team, we decided to dig out the rest of the Magic players in draft night suits and let them judge each other.

The result is the healthy praise and slaps in the form of roasts that you’d expect from your closest friends and teammates.

Spoiler alert from the Draft Suit Challenge video attached together above:

Markelle Fultz, also the 2017 NBA No. 1 overall pick, entered the league wearing custom shoes made out of basketball. That decision didn’t bounce well for his teammate, his Mo Bamba.

In 2018, Wendell Carter opted for a Draft Night suit inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther to look like a Gucci superhero. So did Bol Bol, who could easily team up with Carter for the role of Spider-Man in a suit created by rapper Young Thug’s clothing brand, SPIDER, in 2019.

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Some of the biggest surprises came from Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton. Both were drafted in the 2020 Covid year and picked while they were at home.

You would think that the world taking refuge in that location could bring some understanding and escape criticism from fellow players.

Hampton’s unique Draft Day Drip Turtleneck came at a cost. Terrence Ross claims he should have chosen to wear sweatshirts while relaxing at home.

Cole Anthony’s choice to wear what appears to be a t-shirt, headphones and a robe, despite him claiming to be Dolce & Gabbana, is much out of the discerning eye of his fellow teammates. left a question mark.

Magic head coach Jamal Mosley summed it up best when asked about the importance of nightsuits for drafting: “For them, it’s about showing the world who they are, their identity. Chances are…and how they will be remembered on the big stage.”

We’re looking forward to next season of Magic, and our fans’ hope is that Paolo looks as sharp in Magic pinstripes as he does in purple and rhinestones. Although he made a splash on the night stage, the ultimate goal was that the word “fly” next to his name was less about his fashion choices and more about his approach to the hoops.

want to reach out?on mail rpope@orlandosentinel.com.