What caused Paolo Banchero to lose 7 pounds every game he played?

Paolo Banchero started his NBA journey as the first draft pick of 2022 by the Orlando Magic. With his marvellous skills and outstanding scoring abilities, he helped the Magic with multiple wins and made the team more competitive. With the highest average points in the 2022–2023 season, the forward earned himself the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

Apart from his intangible NBA promise so far, Banchero is also known for an anomaly that has severely hampered his performances. But what exactly happens to him?

Why did Paolo Banchero lose 7 pounds every game?

It has been revealed that Paolo Banchero loses 7 pounds per game due to a rare medical condition. ESPN reporter Holy Rowe disclosed that Paolo loses seven pounds of sweat per game due to his dehydration issues. He kept sweating heavily during the games, which caused cramps and other health problems during his Duke days.

A fan had once shared a video appreciating his performance during a game between Duke and Zags which he retweeted on Twitter (now X) with a sarcastic caption that says “smh this was 40 if i knew what pedialyte was”. Pedialyte is an oral electrolyte solution used to replace fluids and minerals loss.

The 21-year-old is taken care of during the games by providing oxygenated fluid called BOA that will help him with the cramp and not affect his performance.

How has Banchero performed this season so far?

Paolo Banchero has shown signs of superiority against elite defenses this season. Although his team lost against the Eastern Conference toppers Boston Celtics, he scored 36 points in the 114-97 loss in the December 18th game. Paolo scored 42 points against the second-seeded team in the East table, the Cavaliers and his career-high 43 points came against the Sacramento Kings. He also had the winning shots against the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls.

The ROTY 2023 has played in 55 games so far and averaged 23 points which can be considered as one of the best in the league, along with 6.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists. His stat line suggests that he is carrying the team on his back along with other star performers of the Orlando Magic.

Banchero earned a place for himself in the 73rd NBA All-Star 2024 with his performances. He scored 6 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the game against the Western team and won by 211-186. His excited Magic teammate Franz Wagner said when he got selected in the All-Star team, “It’s really cool for us as teammates and the whole organization to have him be a part of that and represent us… I’m super happy to see him happy like that.”

The Magic are in the 8th position of the East table and will face the Cavaliers on February 23 after the NBA All-Star break.