ORLANDO, Fla. — It was a summer of growth for Orlando Magic All-Star forward Paolo Banchero.

From training with one of the NBA greats to traveling the world, Banchero is focused on becoming a more well-rounded player in the upcoming season. 

Banchero is all about getting better, on the court and in the Orlando community with his basketball camp, like the one he held for 150 youths last month at Lake Brantley High School.

“It means a lot because I know just how much it’s going to mean to the kids because I had the same feelings as a kid, going to camps and meeting my favorite players,” Banchero said.

His teammates notice, too.

“P is special," Magic guard Jalen Suggs said. "It’s been a blessing being around him. He’s such a great dude. He’s so loving, so caring for everybody, his people, his community, his team.”

As for on the court, Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season.

But he wants to become more efficient, so over the summer, he linked up with one of the best scorers to ever touch a basketball — Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.

“Working out with KD for a week, those are some of the best workouts I had over the summer," Banchero said. "He’s one of the greatest of all time to ever do it. So, he’s pushing you in the workout. You don’t want to miss more than he’s missing. Working out with a player like that elevates your game.”

Last season, Banchero became an All-Star, joining players such as LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant in being named All-Stars in their second season.

Banchero's teammates said they believe he has another level to reach in the 2024-25 season, which tips off for Orlando on Oct. 23 in Miami against the Heat.

“He's everything you want, dawg," guard Cole Anthony said of Banchero. "I'm going to say it — he's the closest thing I've ever seen to LeBron in a long time. I say that with the ultimate respect to LeBron and to Paolo. That dude is an animal, man. He's a beast."

The NBA saw Banchero tap into his greatness against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Although Orlando lost in seven games, Banchero averaged 27 points while shooting 45.6% from the floor and 40% from 3-point range.

“With us seeing that we could get there and we went all the way to Game 7, I think this year — and just building off that and not being satisfied with that — just trying to take that next step forward as a team,” Banchero said.

No more grinding in the dark or surprising the league. The Magic are winning games now. They have a star, and Banchero is ready to shine a light on Orlando, his coach said.

“I don’t know if you can put a number on what he’s doing," Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said. "But the way he makes his teammates better, the way he pushes, the way he works and the way he’s pushing everybody toward greatness is what I know he’s capable of doing and what he’s continuing to do.”