Former NBA player Richard Jefferson joins JJ Redick and Tommy Alter on The Old Man and the Three. They discuss Paolo Banchero's growth as a leader and player in his second year in the NBA, manifesting his career goals, and his experience playing for Team USA. Paolo also talks about his 1-on-1 shooting workouts with Kevin Durant and how they improved his jumpshot.
Paulo Bankaro has focused on becoming a more vocal leader and improving his body language and energy on the court with the help of Coach K.
Bankaro has been practicing and hunting for the right shots and spots on the court, becoming more aggressive and expanding his offensive arsenal.
Bankaro has learned the importance of maintaining consistent energy and a routine, drawing inspiration from Russell Westbrook and veterans in the league.
Deep dives
Improving as a Leader
Paulo Bankaro has been working on becoming a more vocal leader on the team, knowing that expectations are higher in his second year. He has focused on being more assertive and directing traffic on the court, and this growth has been encouraged by his teammates and coaches. Bankaro credits Coach K for helping him improve his body language and energy on the court, knowing how important it is to set a positive tone for the team.
Developing Shot Selection
Bankaro has been practicing and hunting for the right shots and spots on the court. He has learned to be more aggressive in getting to his preferred spots and has been able to take advantage of defensive schemes against him. Bankaro is comfortable shooting over opponents and has been working on off-balance and off-platform shots to expand his offensive arsenal.
Maintaining Energy and Routine
Bankaro has realized the importance of maintaining consistent energy throughout the long NBA season. He has focused on his routine, including aspects like diet, sleep, and preparation, to ensure that he is mentally and physically ready for each game. Bankaro draws from the advice of veterans like Russell Westbrook, who emphasized the importance of establishing a consistent routine to stay mentally and physically prepared.
Team Expectations and Defensive Focus
The team's expectations are to be a playoff team, as long as they are healthy. Bankaro and the team have focused on becoming a top-tier defensive team, with the coaches emphasizing the importance of locking in on the defensive end. The team's defensive improvements have been evident, particularly against opposing lead guards, showcasing their ability to disrupt and contain opposing offenses.
Key Point 1: Defensive Strategies in the NBA
In the podcast, the guest discusses the defensive strategies employed by his team to guard against opponents. He emphasizes the importance of communication on the court and being able to defend players in lead guard positions. The team focuses on funneling players towards the basket and making them finish over their tall and long defenders. Additionally, the guest highlights the significance of rim protection and the ability to contest shots effectively as key factors in building a strong defense.
Key Point 2: Goals and Motivation
The guest also talks about his personal goals and motivation in the NBA. He shares his desire to become an All-Star and mentions that he sets goals for himself and works hard to achieve them. The guest believes in manifesting his aspirations and visualizes himself achieving greatness. He views being the best and continuously pushing for improvement as his ultimate validation. The guest is driven by the desire to compete at the highest level and be in the conversation with the top players in the league.
Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero returns to The Old Man and the Three this week for another amazing interview! To star of the episode, JJ and RJ discuss the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks. Paolo opens up about becoming more of a leader and improving all-around as player in his second year in the NBA with the help of advice from Coach K and Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. He also shares how he feels he can control his own destiny and manifesting his career goals, from becoming the No. 1 overall pick, being named Rookie of the Year, being selected as an All-Star in his second year, to making the playoffs, eventually becoming an All-NBA player and more. He then shares his experience play for Team USA and how he need to adapt to not being the first option for the first time in his life. Also, he explains how 1-on-1 shooting workouts with Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant last offseason improved his jumpshot.
