Paolo Banchero responds to criticism of trying to be like Kevin Durant, 'when it became…'
The Orlando Magic suffered a 4-1 beatdown in the first round of the 2025 playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics, ending their postseason journey in just five games.
While the roster is talented, there is a need for improvement from their stars, including Paolo Banchero.
Speaking of which, Banchero is putting in the grind during the offseason, but for some reason, he was called out for it.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
So far, Banchero has shown improvements in each season of his short NBA career. The former No. 1 overall pick is apparently adding an elite fadeaway shot to his arsenal.
However, one NBA fan on X took offense to it and called out Banchero for trying to imitate Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant.
“6’9 255 pounds and his big a__ wanna shoot fadeaways like he’s KD,” the fan wrote.
6’9 255 pounds and his big ass wanna shoot fadeaways like he KD https://t.co/45hRsuQfxT
— Asa (@rogervilleasaa) June 27, 2025
The criticism was uncalled for, and Banchero didn’t take long to clap back at the salty fan.
“Damn when [did] it become wrong to work on face up game and touch in the lane? S___ that basketball players [have] been drilling since the inception of the game,” Banchero wrote.
There’s no doubt that Durant’s fadeaway is an iconic shot, but it was unnecessary to target Banchero for developing a similar shot as well, especially since it’s a very common move on the hardwood.
With both Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton out due to torn Achilles injuries, the Eastern Conference is wide open in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The Magic know that, and they are seemingly aiming to win it all next season. It began with trading for Desmond Bane.
It was a massive trade, but analysts like Kendrick Perkins have praised the Magic for making the move. After all, it was win-now mode.
Bane’s fit alongside Banchero and others certainly gives a boost to the Magic’s title hopes.
But that doesn’t mean they won’t face any competition, as the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are still among the favorites to represent the East in the 2026 NBA Finals.
