Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been named the Kia NBA’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February 2023. It is the third straight time that he has earned the league’s monthly honor. Banchero joins Shaquille O’Neal as the only players in franchise history to be named the league’s Rookie of the Month in three consecutive months. O’Neal did it four straight times from November 1992-February 1993.

Banchero played and started in 11 games during February, averaging 16.6 ppg., 7.5 rpg. and 3.3 apg. Orlando posted a 6-5 record, including 4-2 on the road. He led all East rookies (second among all rookies) in scoring and led all rookies in minutes played, while ranking third among East rookies (fourth among all rookies) in both rebounding and in assists. Banchero scored 20+ points three times and recorded three double-doubles.