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

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.

Many expect the former Duke standout to build off that momentum in his third season —  including Carter, Jr., who spoke highly of the young hooper while out at LAX this week.

“He will be [an MVP candidate] for sure,” he told us.

For what it’s worth, the betting odds for Banchero to hoist the Michael Jordan Trophy this season are +50000 … so if you trust WCJ’s prediction, there’s a ton of money to be made.

As for his squad, Carter, Jr. also expects them to take things to the next level in the postseason … and he truly believes they can build off taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to Game 7 in their first-round matchup last year.