For the latest installment of Essentials, Hypebeast sat down with the first overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft and current Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero to talk travel must-haves and joining the Jordan Brand.
Originally hailing from Seattle, Washington, the 21-year-old athlete comes from a rich sports legacy forged by his parents. His mother, Rhonda Banchero, played college basketball for the University of Washington and was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 2004, later playing for the Sacramento Monarchs in the WNBA. Banchero also has a genuine love of football which he shares closely with his father. However, the Magic star followed his mother’s footsteps, honing his unmistakable court presence during his studies at Duke University. As last year’s Rookie of the Year in a 98-2 landslide vote, Banchero averaged 20 points per game, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 2023. He’s the third Orlando Magic player to win the award, joining the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Miller.
Hypebeast: Nick Green
Hypebeast: Nick Green
At 19, Banchero received a surprise phone call from Jamal Crawford that set in motion an inked endorsement deal with Jordan Brand, carrying the brand’s torch alongside players Bam Abedayo, Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum, among others.
“Michael Jordan himself is the standard of winning — the standard of greatness. That’s the goat for a reason.”
“Michael Jordan himself is the standard of winning — the standard of greatness. That’s the goat for a reason. Myself and all the other athletes, we all grew up idolizing him on the court, but also off the court. The way he carried himself — his presence, his swag, the clothes and shoes — you’re drawn to it as a kid growing up. To actually be endorsed by Michael Jordan and to be a part of his brand is a dream,” mentions Banchero.
Hypebeast: Nick Green
Hypebeast: Nick Green
In terms of his personal favorite Jordan models, Banchero notes that the Air Jordan 4 Retro OG “Bred Reimagined” shoes are holy grails, a versatile staple that effortlessly complements most attire and occasions. “These are like one of those Jordans that I feel are like flip-flops. You can wear them anywhere. It’s an all-purpose shoe. You could wear that to the store. You could wear it before a game in the tunnel, to a wedding, to a job interview. That’s how I look at the shoe. I don’t even think about styling them. I just grab some clothes and my Bred 4s.” He has a room dedicated to his Jordans, among the selection, his coveted Air Jordan 2 Retros, 3s, 4s and 11s. “Thirteens have always been one of my favorites, and those are what I’ve been wearing my whole life. I like the mids that hit right above the ankle. I got endless Jordan clothes, so I can go Jordan, or I can mix and match with some other streetwear. That’s why it’s crazy being sponsored by Jordan, because as a kid, I would’ve killed to have a room that looked like that with all these Jordans.”
Gearing up for his first All-Star Game on Sunday, February 18, in Indianapolis, Banchero is quickly stepping into the role of a leader with his teammates. Duke’s former Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski, a.k.a. Coach K, helped lay the groundwork for his sense of dedication. From recognizing the benefits of band stretching before and after workouts to advocating for himself and speaking up more during games, the athlete embodies skillsets that manifest not only in the sport but in life as he navigates his newfound celebrity and status. Back in Seattle, a brother figure and personal trainer imparted holistic lessons of mindfulness to him, introducing him to Palo Santo, a wild tree with medicinal benefits native to the Yucatán Peninsula, Peru and Venezuela.
“Whether I’m stretching or meditating, I’m burning Palo Santo.”
Hypebeast: Nick Green
“He was always burning his Palo Santo throughout the gym, in his car — I was always smelling it. He told me it cleanses the air, cleanses your spirit. We started talking about meditation, wellness and different techniques to take care of your mind and body. Whether I’m stretching or meditating, I’m burning Palo Santo. Whenever I come home from a long road trip, and I’m feeling a little foggy or off, I’ll just burn it. You have the time to self-reflect and stay sharp and in tune with your feelings and emotions,” says Banchero.
During the off seasons, he’s admittedly a homebody, enjoying moments of sunshine and Seattle’s waterfronts with friends and family. Between long flights and car rides, his AirPods Max and PS5 portable stay in rotation with classic gaming franchises like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, 2K Madden and Fortnite. When it comes to music, whether listening to throwbacks by SWV, Faith Evans or bangers by Gunna, Banchero notes music’s unique ability to transport him back in time.
“That’s why I love music so much because it’s kind of nostalgic sometimes. It’s kind of like [having] timestamps of your life. You hear a song from three years ago, you’re like, ‘man, I remember singing my heart out to this.’ Those [headphones] are with me everywhere. Not just on the road or on the plane but when I’m walking around the hotel, when I’m by myself or before practice.”
Hypebeast: Nick Green
Hypebeast: Nick Green
As for fashion, Banchero is wetting his palette with the occasional gold chain and AMIRI jacket. Though he attended the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion week, he admits he’s new to the glossy domain of designer labels and high fashion. Upon declaring for the draft, he was gifted Louis Vuitton luggage. After becoming the No. 1 pick, he treated himself to the complete travel set, fit for domestic and international globetrotting. Accompanying the luggage is his go-to Louis Vuitton scent, “Afternoon Swim,” evoking ocean water and subtle notes of bergamot and mandarin Banchero describes as ‘smooth.’
“It was my first-ever NBA game. When I look back on it in five – ten years, I’m gonna say it was legendary for sure.”
Joining the Jordan family’s legacy, the athlete is coming to terms with his status as a household name. For basketball and footwear fans, the Jumpman motif is ubiquitous with basketball culture, a symbol of excellence and a badge of honor. Moments of reflection are few and far between for the NBA star, who adheres to a rigorous training regimen and schedule. When asked if he remembers particular plays on the court that exemplify his extraordinary potential, Banchero notes his Jumpman moment arrived in his first NBA game against the Detroit Pistons.
“It was kind of my welcome to the NBA moment. I had a fast break. I dunked over the top of a guy. I ain’t gonna say it was Michael Jordan-esque, but it was probably one — if not the best — dunks I’ve ever had in my life. It was my first-ever NBA game. When I look back on it in five – ten years, I’m gonna say it was legendary for sure.”
“I’m sure the fans, once they get to know me more, will see I keep going. I think they’ll really find me to be a relatable person.”
Two years in, Banchero has plenty of legendary moments awaiting him on the court, in life and in business, but the weight of representing these skillsets as a Jordan athlete isn’t lost on him.
Hypebeast: Nick Green
Hypebeast: Nick Green
“I don’t take it lightly at all. I think everybody understands the magnitude and the responsibility that we carry. It’s our chance to help expand the brand through our own expression, journeys, careers and swag. I just want to be the next one to add my own flavor. I’m sure the fans, once they get to know me more, will see I keep going. I think they’ll really find me to be a relatable person.”
In the meantime, and ahead of his upcoming All-Star debut, Banchero is growing into his fame with the occasional pink strawberry Starburst or two.
