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Paolo Banchero's 'For Sure' An MVP Candidate This Season, Wendell Carter Jr. Says

MVP FOR SURE TMZ.com

Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is about to make the jump to elite status ... so says Wendell Carter Jr., who tells TMZ Sports there's no doubt in his mind his teammate will contend for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award this season.

The 21-year-old former No. 1 overall pick improved in nearly every statistical category in his sophomore outing ... earning himself All-Star honors after averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists -- and leading his Magic to the playoffs.

Paolo Banchero Playing Basketball For The Orlando Magic
Paolo Playing On The Magic

Many expect the former Duke standout to build off that momentum in his third season -- including Carter, Jr.