Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been named the NBA's 2022-23 Rookie of the Year and the recipient of the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy. 

Banchero was widely regarded as a lock for this award, prompting numerous sportsbooks to remove Rookie-of-the-Year odds midseason. 

Banchero received 98 first-place votes and 494 total voting points. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams was the runner-up, receiving 241 total voting points (although he received zero first-place votes).

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler surprisingly received two first-place votes, but just 114 total voting points. Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (27 voting points), Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (21 voting points) and Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (3 voting points) also received votes.

This season, Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 threes and 0.8 steals, while shooting 42.7% from the field, 29.8% from three-point range and 73.8% from the free-throw line.

Orlando ran its offense through Banchero, and the 20-year-old proved that he has what it takes to be a No. 1 option. Throughout the season, Banchero displayed his ability to create for himself and others.

Banchero led all rookies in points, while also ranking third in assists, fourth in steals and fifth in rebounds. He posted 40 games of 20+ points and six games of 30+ points – the second-most by a Magic rookie.

The No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft won four consecutive Rookie of the Month awards during the season, earning the honor in December, January, February and March.

Banchero is Orlando's third Rookie-of-the-Year recipient, joining Shaquille O'Neal and Mike Miller (who is Banchero's agent). 

Paolo Banchero's 2022-23 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year mixtape 📹#KiaROY | #NBAAwards | @Kia pic.twitter.com/PTmXHOu5yN

— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2023

Banchero had a number of dominant performances throughout his rookie campaign.

On Nov. 5, he had a 33-point, 16-rebound performance against the Sacramento Kings – becoming just the second teenager in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a game, joining LeBron James. After scoring 30 points in the following game against the Houston Rockets on Nov. 7, he became just the fifth teenager in NBA history with back-to-back 30-point outings, joining LeBron, Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson and Devin Booker. On March 31, Banchero turned heads with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks in a win over the Washington Wizards.

While Banchero's efficiency dipped at times during the season, his dominant start to the campaign and strong finish helped him lock up the award. Over his final 17 games of the season, Banchero averaged 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 53.4% True Shooting.

Entering this season, Orlando had the fourth-youngest roster in the NBA (with an average age of 23.94 years old). Banchero and Franz Wagner have emerged as franchise cornerstones that the Magic can build around going forward. The Magic also have plenty of talented pieces surrounding their dynamic duo, including Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Bol Bol.

The Magic will have a chance to add to their impressive young core, as they have the sixth-best odds in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery (with a 9% chance of landing the No. 1 pick). Orlando will also receive the Chicago Bulls' lottery pick, unless it lands in the top-four. Chicago has the 11th-best lottery odds.