Early on in his career, it appeared as though Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was destined for superstardom.
After winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2023, Banchero was named to his first All-Star team the following year, which seemed like it was going to be an annual occurrence.
However, Banchero failed to be named an All-Star again in the two seasons since and it feels like his play has plateaued a bit. As a result, the way he’s viewed around the league has seemingly shifted.
Paolo Banchero Voted One of Most Overrated Players in NBA by His Peers
GettyPaolo Banchero #5 and Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic react against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images).
In this year’s edition of the annual anonymous NBA Player Poll taken by The Athletic, Banchero was voted by his peers as one of the most overrated players in the entire league.
In total, 81 NBA players voted in the poll, and Banchero received 4.9 percent of the total vote, which was tied with Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant for the fourth-most across the league.
Houston Rockets star center Alpren Sengun led all players with 12.3 percent of the vote, followed by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (both 8.6 percent). New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns received 7.4 percent of the vote.
No rationale was provided for Banchero’s high place in the poll, but it probably has something to do with the fact that the Magic were eliminated in the first round of the postseason three years in a row.
During the 2025-26 season, Banchero played in 72 games for Orlando and averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per performance.
Paolo Banchero Unsure of Orlando Magic’s Championship Outlook
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 04: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic drives against Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on November 04, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
After those three straight first-round exits, Banchero is unsure of Orlando’s status as a true contender in the Eastern Conference moving forward.
“I want to say yes, but this is the third straight time we haven’t gotten out of the first round. So, if you are going off the last three years, the answer is no,” Banchero replied when asked if the Magic are good enough to contend in the East after their season came to an end.
“The nice answer is yes, but honestly speaking, I can’t say we’re good enough to be in the Finals or the Eastern finals because the last three years, we’ve had the same result. So, that’s your answer.”
Orlando already relieved head coach Jamahl Mosley of his duties following the conclusion of the ’25-26 campaign. Perhaps changes to the roster could be on the horizon over the offseason.
Orlando Magic Star Voted One of NBA’s Most Overrated Players by His Peers