Paul George Chooses Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero Over Teammate Tyrese Maxey for Franchise Building

As Paul George gears up for his inaugural season with the Philadelphia 76ers, he has stirred some discussion by selecting Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero as his preferred player to build a franchise around, rather than his new teammate, Tyrese Maxey. George’s decision comes despite joining forces with a formidable trio that includes Joel Embiid, Maxey, and himself, which many believe could be the best in the league.

The 76ers made headlines this summer by signing George to a four-year, $212 million contract, bolstering their championship aspirations. Alongside Embiid, who is regarded as the league’s best player when at his peak, and Maxey, who is quickly ascending to superstar status, George finds himself in an enviable position. Maxey had an impressive season, averaging 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 37.3% from three-point range.

However, during an episode of his Podcast P, George’s preference for Banchero over Maxey raised eyebrows. He was given the stipulation of excluding other young stars like Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama, which makes his choice of Banchero intriguing. Many fans and analysts were surprised, considering George will be playing alongside Maxey this coming season.

This choice could imply a few things: perhaps George is aiming to motivate Maxey by highlighting Banchero’s potential, or he genuinely believes Banchero holds more promise at this stage. Alternatively, it could simply be an oversight in naming his current teammate. Regardless of the reasoning, George’s comment emphasizes the rising stature of Banchero in the league and poses questions about the dynamics within the 76ers’ roster.

As the new season approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on how George, Embiid, and Maxey collaborate, and whether the young star can elevate his game further in the wake of George’s remarks.