Paolo Banchero logged just 26 minutes in the Magic‘s second game after a teammate stepped on his ankle early in the first quarter, resulting in a low‑grade high ankle sprain that typically demands several weeks of recovery. Could this early setback derail his season?
The 6’10” forward worries his comeback won’t arrive for “at least a month,” Jason Beede reported for the Orlando Sentinel. Banchero said the timing is especially aggravating after meticulously prepping his body for opening night.
I felt I was doing everything right to avoid it, then a freak accident happened that I couldn’t stop, he said. I’m not feeling sorry for myself—just annoyed.
Now wearing a boot, he begins rehab and, in my view, his upbeat attitude could boost the squad’s morale.
I’d guess at least a month, maybe four weeks, he noted. Depending on treatment and rehab, I hope to return sooner, but I won’t rush it. This is my first high‑ankle sprain, so I’m aiming for a swift, clean recovery.
The injury was first blamed on teammate Desmond Bane falling on his leg, yet replay revealed it was actually Jalen Suggs who collided with him while chasing a rebound (Twitter video link).
Banchero exploded early, tallying 35 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 34 minutes during the season opener versus the Hawks, a game the Magic ultimately lost.
Missing about 15 games would hand the offensive reins to Franz Wagner, while Suggs and Bane assume larger scoring roles. Fortunately, Orlando gets a boost Sunday as Anthony Black returns after missing two games with a right ankle sprain, Beede noted via Twitter.
Even with the sixth man back, head coach Sean Sweeney hinted the starting lineup against the Knicks on Sunday will likely feature Jase Richardson, Beede added via Twitter.