Earlier this week on Under the Laces, we reported that Paolo Banchero was included in a four NBA star lineup of Jordan Brand athletes embarking on a tour of China to help foster a global basketball initiative. During this Jordan Brand trip to China, the athletes had their signature logos on public display at an event, where Banchero's logo was revealed for the first time.
The 21-year-old forward's logo is simple and straightforward, featuring his initials "PB" seamlessly intertwined with his jersey number "5." This design is not only visually appealing but also meaningful, as the "B" and "5" cleverly merge, creating a double-entendre that reflects Banchero's unique identity on and off the court. This clever design choice is characteristic of many basketball stars, whose logos often highlight their initials, nicknames, and other signature elements to establish a personal brand.
Paolo Banchero may be close to his first signature sneaker with his own logo
During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Paolo Banchero became the first to wear the Air Jordan 39 model, which later became available to the general public in a recent July release. As much of an honor it must've been for Banchero to be the poster boy behind the Air Jordan 39's rollout, there's no doubt that Paolo's star will continue to shine bright enough to warrant his own signature sneaker.
In a relatively short NBA career thus far for Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic's 21-year-old cornerstone has already made a significant impact on the league. Banchero dramatically rose up the draft boards during the 2022 NBA Draft, where the Magic confidently chose to select him with the first overall pick, a decision made over the widely debated choices of prominent big men Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren.
This bold move has clearly proven to be the right choice; Banchero not only captured the NBA's KIA Rookie of the Year award in 2023 but also earned a spot on his first All-Star team in 2024. Furthermore, he has emerged as a vital component in the Magic's resurgence, contributing greatly to the team's return to the playoffs earlier this year. His combination of talent, confidence, and skill has made him one of the league's most promising young stars.
The Jordan Brand clearly views Paolo Banchero as a vital component of its roster, demonstrating this confidence by including him on an important international tour alongside established NBA superstars such as Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic. Notably, Tatum and Doncic recently faced off as rivals in the intense 2024 NBA Finals, highlighting their prominent status in the league.
In a recent article by Sports Illustrated, they revealed that Banchero stepped in for fellow Jordan Brand signature athlete Russell Westbrook, who was unfortunately unable to participate in the China trip due to other commitments. This opportunity not only underscores Banchero's rising profile within the brand but also allows him to gain invaluable experience alongside some of the best in the game.