Magic: Paolo Banchero Bags 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year Honors

Paolo Banchero - Orlando Magic v New Orleans Pelicans

(Photo : Jonathan Bachman / Stringer) NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - Paolo Banchero (#5) of the Orlando Magic celebrates during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 27, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Paolo Banchero, a forward for the Orlando Magic, received an overwhelming majority vote and was awarded the NBA's Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.

Paolo Banchero, a Near Unanimous Winner

Banchero received 98 out of 100 votes for first place and obtained 494 points out of a maximum of 500. Jalen Williams, a forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Walker Kessler, a center for the Utah Jazz, came in second and third, respectively. Kessler secured the remaining two first-place votes, while Bennedict Mathurin, Keegan Murray, and Jaden Ivey received at least one vote each.

Banchero, the top pick in the NBA draft last year, had a remarkable season with an average of 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Banchero was the top-scoring rookie, scoring a minimum of 20 points per game in 40 games and at least 30 points in six games.

Following Shaquille O'Neal and Mike Miller, he is now the third player from the Magic team to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Banchero's victory comes after Lauri Markkanen was awarded the NBA's Most Improved Player prize on Monday, as well as several other people who were recognized last week, including Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (Defensive Player of the Year), Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (Clutch Player of the Year), Kings coach Mike Brown (Coach of the Year), and Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon (Sixth Man of the Year).

Later in the postseason, the NBA will reveal the All-NBA, All-Rookie, and All-Defense teams and the Most Valuable Player Award.

Related Article: Kings: Mike Brown, NBA CoY