Banchero’s Rising Star Sparks Discussion: Is He Truly Behind Siakam in Power Forward Rankings?
The debate over whether Pascal Siakam truly outshines Paolo Banchero in HoopsHype’s latest power forward rankings has ignited passionate discussions among basketball enthusiasts. While HoopsHype has Banchero listed as a top-three power forward, the name occupying the second spot might raise a few eyebrows.
Banchero’s Impressive Trajectory
Just three seasons into his NBA career, Paolo Banchero has firmly established himself as one of the elite power forwards in the league. Despite an injury that limited him to just 46 games last season, the former No. 1 overall draft pick delivered remarkable averages of 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, all while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and boasting a true shooting percentage of 55.1. His performance places him among an exclusive group of seven players in NBA history who have averaged at least 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists at the age of 22 or younger (minimum 45 games played). The only other player to achieve this feat in recent memory was Luka Doncic, who accomplished it in back-to-back seasons from 2020 to 2022.
The Rankings and the Analytics
Despite these impressive numbers, Frank Urbina from HoopsHype acknowledged that Banchero’s ranking of third among power forwards could be perceived as too low. He pointed out that advanced analytics present a more nuanced picture, indicating that the Magic have been 4.8 points per 100 possessions worse when Banchero is on the court throughout his career. This statistic has led some to speculate that teammate Franz Wagner might actually be the Magic’s most effective player.
Moreover, Banchero’s ongoing struggle with three-point shooting—averaging only 32 percent from beyond the arc in his career—raises concerns about his overall offensive growth. Nevertheless, Urbina praised Banchero’s unique blend of size and skill, highlighting his quick first step, tough shot-making abilities, and explosive finishing near the basket. If Banchero can enhance his three-point shooting, he could easily find himself in the All-NBA conversation.
Siakam’s Steady Performance
Ranking just above Banchero at No. 2 is Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers. Last season, Siakam averaged 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, showcasing his efficiency with shooting splits of 51.9 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from three, and 73.4 percent from the free-throw line. At 31 years old, Siakam brings a wealth of experience and consistency to the table, making his ranking understandable, if not uncontroversial.
Since Banchero entered the league, he has proven to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker, often handling a heavier offensive load than Siakam. Looking ahead, Banchero’s offensive efficiency is expected to improve, especially with the addition of Desmond Bane to the Magic roster.
Urbina also noted that Siakam’s usage rate is likely to increase due to the season-ending Achilles injury of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ floor general. The question remains: will Siakam’s role as a primary scorer be more impactful in Indiana’s system without Haliburton compared to Banchero’s contributions in Orlando?
As this debate unfolds, it is clear that both players bring their own strengths to the court, leaving fans eager to see how their performances will shape the upcoming season.
