Paolo Banchero had a funny courtside moment during the Magic’s preseason game after a fan told him he needed “two more points” to hit his bet. Banchero couldn’t believe what he was hearing and called the fan out for gambling on an exhibition game.
Fan: “Paolo, I just need two more points bro!”
Paolo Banchero: “You’re betting on a preseason game, bro? You’re addicted. It’s preseason, dog, relax.”
Paolo Banchero told a fan he’s a gambling degenerate during a preseason game:
Fan: Paolo I just need 2 more points bro
Paolo Banchero: You’re betting on a preseason game bro? You’re addicted. It’s preseason dog, relax. pic.twitter.com/AWUrRD0JLB
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) October 11, 2025
The NBA preseason is meant to be a warm-up period for the league and its players. After a long offseason, it allows teams to shake off the rust before starting the real games and test certain strategies for how to maximize their roster. Since none of the games count toward the win column, it’s not something that people should be getting worked up over.
Unfortunately, the rise of gambling/sports betting has normalized a whole new way to consume the game. Now, even previously meaningless events (like a preseason game) can become important for those with certain parlays. In yesterday’s game, that fan felt bold enough to address Banchero directly and it has sparked a larger conversation about the impact of betting culture on the league.
As the NBA has embraced the practice, fans have only become more obsessed and it’s bleeding over into the games now. Rather than just take their pleas or criticisms online, the bettors are speaking out during games in an attempt to push the results in their favor. Rather than just consuming the game, many fans are only concerned with the daily spread and turning a player’s performance into their own financial gain.
These habits have fundamentally changed how the game is consumed today and many players agree it’s bringing the entire experience down. In truth, going to a game should be about watching and appreciating the sport itself instead of keeping track of your bets. As a student and lover of the game, Paolo Banchero understands this and you have to give credit to him for speaking directly to the heckling courtside gambler.
Besides being a sign of his maturity and confidence, it reflects a sense of honest passion from Paolo that will help fuel his success going forward. After averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game last season, he’s ready to take that next step and become a superstar at the highest levels. Clearly, his head is in the right place and he’s determined to help the Magic become a contender in the East.
In the end, moments like this show why Banchero is more than just a rising star: he’s grounded, confident, and focused on the right things. While everyone else is losing their minds over parlays in the preseason, he’s just focused on playing basketball and leading Orlando to the next level.
