NBA Notebook: Rookie Paolo Banchero praises Jayson Tatum's mentorship

ORLANDO -- Paolo Banchero felt like he knew Jayson Tatum already, watching the Celtics star's AAU highlights while he was in elementary and middle school growing up in Seattle. His smoothness. His skill. His three-level scoring. Banchero will always remember Tatum as the first player he watched progress from high school, through college, to the NBA in real time. 

The Celtics drafted Tatum while Banchero starred as a freshman, averaging a double-double for O'Dea High School. Banchero didn't commit to Duke until 2020, but already developed an admiration for Tatum's game as he excelled through his year in college toward NBA stardom in Boston. Banchero borrowed moves and eventually made the same college decision that set up a meeting between the pair last season in Boston. 

Tatum sat court side at Boston College in February while Banchero scored 16 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and shot 7-for-14 in front of his second favorite player behind LeBron James. He spoke with Tatum privately after he joined the team in the locker room post-game, Mike Krzyzewski praising the star's habits that led him to early NBA stardom on one of the league's best teams in a social media clip. Coach K remembered telling Celtics officials that Tatum embraced hard coaching, one of many lessons Tatum shared with Banchero as they began speaking regularly in the year that followed. 

"I just see somebody that was kind of on the same path I was on," Tatum said last month. "He went to Duke, knew he was going to be one-and-done and ended up being the No. 1 pick. I'm not too far removed from being in his shoes, I know what it's like making that transition and it's a lot being thrown at you. In a way, he has more responsibility than I did in my first season. So he's still young and just being there to help him, any questions he has, any advice, whatever, because somebody helped me, and you've just got to pay it forward. A lot of guys, the guys on the team from Al (Horford) to (Kyrie Irving) to (Marcus Morris). There's a lot of guys, guys that went to Duke, I had a lot of people in my corner, guys I could reach out to." 

Banchero fell to Tatum in his home opener with the Magic. Tatum poured 40 points on the Magic and Banchero punched back with 23, forcing Tatum to defend and force a ball off Banchero's leg in the second half after stripping him. Nothing surprised Banchero about Tatum, who Banchero wanted to emulate as a two-way impact player despite the Magic star's game being more built on banging in the post than perimeter shooting right now. They talked after their ensuing matchups, with the Magic winning the next three while the rookie averaged 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. 

The Magic now sit 3.5 games behind the play-in tournament with an outside shot of tasting the playoffs this year as they regain full health. Markelle Fultz recovered from a training camp toe injury and Jonathan Isaac made his first appearance after missing two seasons injured, scoring 10 points in 10 minutes against the Celtics on Monday. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. share the massive front court with Banchero, who's listed at 6-10 and 250 pounds at 20 years old, an astounding physique for a young player joining a group of lanky, long former lottery picks who haven't been able to win yet. 

"I think the one thing that (Tatum) told me that really stuck was during my college season. When I got here, he obviously knew I was going to be a high pick, you've got to go out and take what you want," Banchero told Boston Sports Journal this week. "Coming in, just because you're a high pick, you're probably going to have more stuff handed to you than the regular person, but you can't take on that attitude. You have to work for everything. Guys are going to come at you, guys on other teams, maybe even guys on your own team, which nobody has on my team, but this was just what he was telling me, just to be aware that nobody's going to hand you anything. You've got to go out and take it. That always stuck with me, because if he was saying that, there's no reason I shouldn't believe it." 

Banchero did that immediately, taking the ball and embarking on a historic scoring pace for a rookie that rivaled LeBron's start in Cleveland and created a chasm between him and the other rookie of the year contenders. He scored at least 20 points in 25 games this year, 16 coming in his first 21, which only five players, including Wilt Chamberlain (21) and Michael Jordan (17), accomplished as rookies. James and Banchero share the only pair of 20-point games to start an NBA career, and the only 20-point, five-rebound and five-assist debuts, which Banchero achieved by scoring 27 points at Detroit. He's averaging 20.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG and 3.7 APG on 43.5% shooting, even while acknowledging night-to-night consistency is the hardest part of the NBA. 

Tatum achieved similar early success within a team context, posting 13.9 PPG and 5.0 RPG on 47.5% shooting as a rookie, excelling at catch-and-shoot threes and stepping into the starting lineup as a solid defender after Gordon Hayward's opening night injury. He learned from the turbulence of those early months. Tatum gained accolades, though falling short in rookie of the year voting to Ben Simmons, then expectations as the team reached the east finals and failed to do so the next season. Tatum faced off-court challenges too, like becoming a father within months of his first season and initially feeling too scared to share the news with Brad Stevens. Now, he's a vocal leader in the MVP race, shouldering those heavy expectations after spending more than one season struggling between 2020-22 to figure it out after veterans like Kemba Walker, Hayward, Irving and Horford departed. 

"I have my own play style and stuff, but his ability to create space, whether it's for a three or a mid-range. How efficient he is with his dribbles and with his moves," Banchero said of what he's taken from Tatum. "(Getting) to his moves efficiently, he doesn't put up the ball a lot, he kind of plays at his own pace and his commitment to playing both sides, that's something I'm working on, trying to get to that level of being a leader on both sides."

Banchero scored an efficient 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting, pacing a Magic lead with a 20-5 run and holding off a late Celtics comeback attempt behind Tatum's 26 on Monday. He targeted Sam Hauser, hit an elbow jumper over Grant Williams and tough leaner over Luke Kornet to finish the first half that's become his signature move early in his career. Banchero buries tough shots, an important skill for an Orlando team struggling going back years to produce offense. They last ranked in the top-10 of team offensive rating in 2010-11, 12 years ago. They rank 28th this season, according to Cleaning the Glass, even with Banchero's insertion.

It's more likely the Magic will pray for one last stroke of lottery night luck rather than hope for an upset in the first-round against a team like Boston. Banchero hopes he can get them there though, seeing a vast array of young players starting to gel around a common goal and his leadership of the floor. This season left little doubt who they're building around after hoping Isaac, Mo Bamba, Jalen Suggs and Wagner would emerge in those roles in the past. They have Tatum, in part, to thank for Banchero's hot start. 

Knicks forward RJ Barrett also praised his fellow former Duke star for the workouts and friendship they've shared. Malcolm Brogdon, who's taken part in locker room debates about which player's alma mater is the best, said he could do more to fill a similar mentorship role to players, Sam Hauser among them, rising to the NBA from Virginia. 

"I think that's our responsibility," Tatum said this week. "Somebody helped me, the person that helped me, somebody helped them. That's somebody I was close with while I was in college. Amile Jefferson, one of my best friends, is an assistant coach at Duke so all three of us kind of talked all the time while he was in college and I'm a big fan of his, he loves the game, works hard and I know what it's like to come from Duke, be a top lottery pick and have a lot of expectations. Anytime I can help, I feel like I'm obligated to do that."

Here's what to look for around the NBA with the trade deadline 12 days ahead... 

Atlanta (25-24): All eyes on John Collins, who Jake Fischer reported the Hawks don't feel urgency to move, but always seem willing to hear what they could receive to move on from his massive contract. Eric Pincus connected him to the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks and LA Clippers, and said it's unclear if Atlanta views a Collins trade as a salary dump or sale. I've always wondered if a Ben Simmons swap would be possible given the Hawks' defensive needs and Simmons stagnating in Brooklyn. The Athletic also reported that Houston is interested in Collins. His salary remains a hindrance to deals getting done. The Pelicans have future draft pick flexibility and salaries like Jaxson Hayes, Naji Marshall and Devonte’ Graham to offer along with a small ball center need, as Jake Fischer explained. Dallas is fun.

Boston (35-15): Marcus Smart (ankle) could miss 1-2 weeks after re-injuring his right ankle he sprained and played through in the postseason, and the Celtics' offense cratered to 25th in three straight losses to Orlando, Miami and New York. Payton Pritchard's future will become their toughest trade deadline decision, with the team likely able to sell him for draft capital, aggregate him with other salaries like Danilo Gallinari's and draft picks to try to find big man or wing depth. They traded their 2023 first-rounder, preventing them from trading 2024, and owe a 2028 pick swap to San Antonio they've reportedly discussed amending in a potential Jakob Poetl deal. The offensive regression since November is concerning, but they probably stand pat.

Brooklyn (29-19): Kyrie Irving got voted into the all-star starting lineup thanks to a wave of player and fan voting despite his suspension and uneven play. His future with the Nets would've been one of the largest deadline stories, but stability next to Kevin Durant since returning and his competitiveness since he got injured stabilized his standing in New York for now. Brooklyn doesn't hold the draft capital to make a significant splash. They could aggregate some salaries like Joe Harris, Seth Curry and Patty Mills, though, to address front court depth alongside Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton. Simmons left Brooklyn's loss to Detroit with knee soreness and is questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks. The Nets haven't pursued an Irving extension. 

Charlotte (14-36): Terry Rozier could become their most intriguing trade piece in what should become an open sale up and down their roster for the right price. Rozier expanded his scoring game as a Hornets starter and earned a four-year, $96.3 million extension through 2026 the team could maintain or try to sell high on and offload now or later. LaMelo Ball's emergence as their franchise cornerstone limits some of Rozier's future as a primary ball-handler in Charlotte. Jake Fischer mentioned he hadn't heard much Gordon Hayward chatter on his recent podcast, but he'll undoubtedly be available with one year remaining at $31.5-million making him a difficult acquisition. Kelly Oubre (hand) is hurt, they'll have restricted free agent rights to retain P.J. Washington and Jalen McDaniels is only 24 years old ahead of unrestricted free agency, making it possible they hold onto all three. They'll certainly take calls on them and Mason Plumlee. 

Chicago (22-26): Momentum further built toward a sale when the Bulls collapsed ahead by 21 points in the first half to lose to a Pacers team that had been as bad as any without Tyrese Haliburton. Chicago held a team meeting after. Reports indicated the team asked Alex Caruso suitors for two first-rounders and Marc Stein wrote Andre Drummond could move before the deadline. The team wants to believe they can turn it around, that Lonzo Ball can eventually return and they'll rekindle their spot atop the east they held briefly to begin last season. That only looks like a blip in retrospect, and selectively selling players like DeMar DeRozan, Javonte Green and Nikola Vucevic ahead of his free agency could give them a leg up in resetting. NBC Sports Chicago reported that the team moving on from DeRozan, who's signed next season for $28.6-million, while Vucevic is more likely to move. 

Cleveland (30-21): Lost 3-of-5 without Donovan Mitchell (groin), needing 38 points from Evan Mobley to beat the Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mobley posted big numbers in January, averaging 17.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 2.4 APG despite a still-stagnant three-point shot. That places pressure to improve their wing depth as February nears. Isaac Okoro hit 18-of-36 (50%) from three, a start, while Dean Wade remains the likeliest starting wing given his mix of shooting and defensive abilities. They simply lack enticing assets to make moves and it's hard to imagine anything splashy. Caris LeVert would be the player to watch move and utilizing Kevin Love's $28.9-million expiring salary. 

Dallas (26-24): Luka Doncic sprained his left ankle as the Mavericks dropped back-to-back games to the Wizards and Suns, and is considered day-to-day. Christian Wood (thumb) is still week-to-week, and Marc Stein didn't rule out a deal that sends him out of Dallas after less than one year after arriving from Houston. Dallas has many needs and a surplus at the center spot, with their picks tied up by the Kristaps Porzingis trade through 2025 until it conveys (top-10 protected), which should happen this year and allow for more trade flexibility this summer. They're reportedly interested in Fred VanVleet and D'Angelo Russell, who are both unrestricted free agents this summer.

Denver (34-15): Nikola Jokic (hamstring) missed three of the last four games as the Nuggets prioritize his health while standing atop the west into February. They may need less than any other team, with backup center and a bench facilitator probably their largest needs, but they've shown again in his absence there's no sustaining without Jokic when facing high-level competition. They can only hope to improve their bench rotations. Jake Fischer reported they're reassessing the sixth-man spot held by Bones Hyland and forecasting a Bruce Brown pay-day. The Wolves could be a suitor.

Detroit (13-37): Stunned the Nets behind 45 points from Saddiq Bey and Alec Burks, who round out their potential trade deadline activity alongside Bojan Bogdanovic. The Pistons are undoubtedly still in an early stage of their rebuild, so they'll probably listen to offers for almost anyone on their roster short of Cade Cunningham. They've shown interest in Ayo Dosunmu, signaling a willingness to buy and sell after acquiring multiple draft picks last summer. Nerlens Noel will almost inevitably move as well given his upcoming free agency and manageable price tag. 

Golden State (25-24): Steph Curry scored 30 points in back-to-back wins over the Grizzlies and Raptors, highlighted by his ejection for tossing his mouthpiece into the crowd, not the first time. Steve Kerr's commentary on James Wiseman's issues and difficult position on the roster underscore a second straight trade deadline where they may need to pick path between going all-in on the Curry core or maintaining their underbelly of youth. Wiseman ($9.6M), Jonathan Kuminga ($5.7M), Moses Moody ($3.7M) and Patrick Baldwin ($2.2M) could return significant salary if Golden State dealt all or multiple of them, and their future draft pick stand intact aside from a top-four protected 2024 first-rounder owed to Memphis that's tied up through 2026. They'd need to amend that trade to free up picks in those years. They're reportedly interested in Alex Caruso, who the Bulls have asked for two firsts for.

“One of the things that I tell James (Wiseman) from time to time, is that I feel bad for him because of the circumstances. He’s had a tough go with the injuries. The injuries have definitely set him back. But the bottom line is he’s a really talented young guy playing on a veteran team," Kerr said. “So he’s in a situation where he’s not getting many reps and playing time as he would in a different set of circumstances. Had he been drafted by a different team, he’d be getting more opportunities that’s for sure, but that’s part of his story, that’s part of his journey. What I love about James is that he understands that and recognizes it and continues to keep a positive spirit and energy. He works hard every single day and he’s wonderful to coach. As I’ve said many times, I’m a huge fan. However this plays out — we don’t know — but I hope I get to continue to coach him, and I hope he can develop here." 

Clippers (27-24): In a weird enough position needing guard and front court help to think they could sacrifice some of their significant wing depth to improve those areas. Robert Covington is willing and able to step up into some minutes and making Terance Mann available, which they haven't done yet, could make up for the fact that their future draft picks remain tied up in the Paul George trade (2023-2026 picks and swaps). They've reportedly explored moving John Wall, pursuing Mike Conley and Wolves center Naz Reid, though nothing seems imminent even as Kawhi Leonard gets going. 

Lakers (23-26): Anthony Davis returned and fell with a scary-looking ankle injury that nearly made Darvin Ham faint, escaping unharmed and probable for Saturday's meeting in Boston with the Celtics. His 20 points in 26 minutes helped edge out the Spurs after a bad loss to the Clippers where 46 LeBron James points weren't enough. He's averaging 33.6 PPG on 50.9% shooting in an extraordinary display that finally forced the front office to act, reportedly jumping in after a Suns-Bucks-Wizards trade fell apart and landing Rui Hachimura for three second-round picks and Kendrick Nunn. Hachimura scored 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting in his Lakers debut. He'll enter restricted free agency this summer having rejected Wizards overtures in the low-teens annually. 

Memphis (31-18): Fell 3.0 games behind the Nuggets after losing five straight to the Lakers, Suns, Kings, Warriors and Timberwolves, dropping their conference record to 15-15, the worst percentage of any team in west playoff picture. They could become the mystery team that emerges for some of the bigger fish, like O.G. Anunoby, who may move this trade deadline considering their admirable organizational depth and full array of future draft picks. Steven Adams sprained his knee and will miss 3-5 weeks and Danny Green is nearing a return from ACL surgery, both players making the largest salaries that could potentially be moved in smaller deals. In stranger news, a Reddit user raised questions about Jaren Jackson's home/road splits. 

Miami (28-22): Growing more intriguing as the trade deadline approaches by separating above the play-in line by 1.0 game over the Knicks and 2.5 games over the Hawks by beating the Celtics without Jimmy Butler and rounding out three straight and 7-of-10 by beating the Magic in his return. Bam Adebayo has been great, Kyle Lowry sat in the fourth quarter in each of their last two wins and holes exist across this roster that make you think they'll explore adding reinforcements at the deadline. They're always focused on the bigger moves though, and couldn't successfully add Jae Crowder earlier. They've been connected to Fred VanVleet and D'Angelo Russell, and it wouldn't be shocking to see them explore moving on from Lowry's contract. 

Milwaukee (32-17): Jake Fischer remains on top of their several efforts to acquire Jae Crowder, with their future picks tied up from the Jrue Holiday deal and Grayson Allen's relatively low value limiting their ability to cement their wing depth. Eric Gordon could pass as another shooter next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led wins with 29, 33 and 41 points over the last three games. Khris Middleton returned from an 18-game absence with a knee injury to shoot 13-for-28 in his first three games back in that role.

Minnesota (26-25): Their trade deadline dilemma -- trade D'Angelo Russell and get something for him before he hits free agency next summer or try to keep this collective together and hope they can rally once Karl-Anthony Towns returns? It's hard to believe they won't explore the former since he'll potentially be the largest name to move on Feb. 9 and they desperately need to reload both their depth and future assets after the Rudy Gobert trade. They've won 6-of-10 to move up to eighth in a jam-packed west, but Towns remains without a timetable to return and Naz Reid has also drawn interest. 

New Orleans (26-23): Brandon Ingram finally returned from his 29-game absence with a toe injury and struggled in limited minutes, shooting 4-for-18 in a loss to the Timberwolves. They maintain layers of depth and arguably the greatest package of future draft picks in the league that could allow them to make a splash, like John Collins or O.G. Anunoby, using future Lakers and Bucks selections as value. They showed enormous promise before their stars went down, maintained well without them and the C.J. McCollum trade worked better than almost anyone imagined. That's all enough evidence to convince David Griffin to improve this team that surely has a chance to win the west. The question is whether ownership allows for some luxury tax? 

New York (27-23): Within reach of avoiding the play-in tournament in the east alongside the Heat in what will likely become the main battle for the east's six seed. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson impressed again in an overtime win over the Celtics and they've finally signaled they're no longer pursuing their strange opening to moving Immanuel Quickley. Their bench is a real weapon and trading Cam Reddish won't return serious reinforcements for a playoff push. Their patience has been admirable, but an aggressive move like adding Alex Caruso could make this group dangerous in the first round. They reportedly offered multiple first-round picks already for O.G. Anunoby and fell short of Toronto's asking price, signaling their approach into February.

Oklahoma City (24-25): One of the sneakier buy, sell, or hold decisions in the league that could impact the west heavily as they look more than capable of sneaking into and then competing in the play-in tournament with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They've won 9-of-12 in January and rank 17th in offense and eighth in defense. Reports indicate they'll focus on the future at the trade deadline anyway, with their largest move potentially being a Darius Bazley deal as he approaches restricted free agency this offseason without any progress toward an extension. 

Orlando (19-30): Jonathan Isaac returned for the first time in 904 days after missing two full seasons with multiple leg injuries to score 10 points in 10 minutes and defend Jayson Tatum, looking like he never left off the Magic bench. His return solidifies a core starting to gel around Markelle Fultz, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner. They won 3-of-4 impressively against the league-best Celtics in Isaac's return. They'll probably be a quiet trade deadline team, potentially selling a veteran like Gary Harris, Mo Bamba or Terrence Ross if they're blown away with an offer.

Philadelphia (31-16): Won six straight, 8-of-10 and 19-of-25 since the start of December. They rank fifth in offense, seventh in defense and fifth in net rating. That sets them up for a quiet trade deadline one year after dealing Ben Simmons for James Harden. Harden and Joel Embiid seemed to relish a win over Simmons and the Nets behind 49 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists from the pair. 

Phoenix (25-25): Chris Paul (hip) is back and leading better offensive efforts to win 2-of-3, averaging 19.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 10.3 APG on 53.5% FG and continuing to shoot threes at a 40% rate. The Suns, who have struggled while Devin Booker missed the last 16 games with a hamstring injury. They fell out of the west playoff picture and rose back to ninth winning four of the last five. They don't have a ton of valuable players to trade, but own their future first-round picks as James Jones faces a critical trade deadline to keep this ship afloat before new owner Mat Ishiba takes over before Feb. 9.

Portland (23-25): Call it a rebuild or reload, offering Jerami Grant a four-year, $112 million extension according to Jake Fischer that he likely won't accept, while also opening the door to offers for Josh Hart and Jusuf Nurkic as the team sits at 12th in the west. Damian Lillard is lighting up the box score again, dropping 60 points in a win over the Jazz, and proving he's as good as ever, and they have their future draft capital to try to build some creative trades to improve the roster. They've struggled on defense for a long time, but it's been a constant of Chauncey Billups' tenure as head coach aside from the first month of this year. They want size, athleticism and shooting, Fischer noted, but that's easier said than done. 

Sacramento (27-20): The Kings are among the elite teams of the west, a statement that would've been stunning even one year ago as they closed in on a controversial deal flipping Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis. They should embrace this window, which isn't always promised, and explore moving future draft picks and prospects for bona fide starters or a center who can improve their defense. They've made sparsely-used Richaun Holmes available in trades and signaled they won't buy him out if he isn't dealt. They'd reportedly take a pair of second-rounders for him.

San Antonio (14-35): Lost four straight and 9-of-10, setting up one of the likely largest sales at the trade deadline with veterans Jakob Poetl, Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott all available for the right price. They drive a hard bargain, of course netting a pair of first-round picks for Derrick White from Boston last year and they've reportedly demanded the same price for Poetl, even ahead of his free agency. It doesn't sound like they'll get it.

Toronto (22-28): The most interesting team in the NBA entering Feb. 9 with their status as a reloading or rebuilding team almost inevitable after they fell to 12th in the east by 1.0 game behind Washington and Chicago this week. They're only 2.5 games better than Orlando for the fifth-best lottery odds, and addressing Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr.'s futures while potentially drawing a monumental O.G. Anunoby offer to set up a mini tank would position them well entering the offseason. Anunoby sprained his left wrist in the team's loss to the Warriors on Friday, with x-rays coming back negative. The Raptors are asking for multiple picks in exchange for Trent Jr., setting up even loftier standards for teams to land their other starters. 

Utah (25-26): On the edge of the play-in, tied with the Thunder for the 10th seed, as it's hard to not imagine this team making at least small sales to continue positioning themselves for the future. They're calling teams looking to deal Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Mike Conley, Jake Fischer wrote, likely demanding significant returns, while Lauri Markkanen and standout rookie Walker Kessler are considered unavailable. They'll likely keep rookie Ochai Agbaji as well.

Washington (22-26): The Rui Hachmura trade shocked many and it's seemingly built on maintaining financial flexibility to re-sign free agent Kyle Kuzma this summer and create playing time for Deni Avdija. It's a risky move for a team already stagnating around Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Kuzma, with the latter already rejecting whatever extension overtures the Wizards have made. Kuzma told the Athletic he is willing to re-sign with the team this summer though. He can leave outright this summer even if Washington offers him big money. Porzingis (ankle) will miss the next two weeks.