LOOK: Paolo Banchero takes beef with Dejounte Murray to social media
A highlight play from a Pro-Am run has taken an unexpected life of its own. During Isaiah Thomas’ ‘Zeke-End’ Tournament, Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray put Orlando Magic No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero in a reel-worthy clip with a fake out turned off the glass to himself dunk.
After the play, Murray obviously lets Banchero hear about it. He even goes as far as to throw the ball back at Banchero. That apparently didn’t sit well as Banchero has since responded to the reaction from Murray on Instagram.
“LOL unfollowed me on (Instagram) and everything it must be personal huh?,” says Banchero. “That’s fine. Just make sure you guard up next time and stop sending doubles family.”
Based on his words, Banchero feels like the response wasn’t warranted based on the spineless way they went about defending him. Whether it was the defense, being on the wrong end of the play, or the barking that followed, Banchero took this one to heart.
These two Seattle natives have likely crossed paths before in pro runs around the city. If not, they’ll see each other again soon as NBA players in the league’s Southeast Division. Either way, it will be interesting to see whether this summer spat becomes an all-out beef between the two moving forward.
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WATCH: Dejounte Murray welcomes Paolo Banchero to the NBA with highlight-reel dunk
Incoming rookie and number one pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero, was welcomed to the NBA by All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in rough fashion. The pair of NBA talents played against each other at a Pro-Am event hosted by Isaiah Thomas. Murray created a highlight-reel performance at the former Duke star’s expense.
During their game, Murray got Banchero to bite on a fake pass. The move then left Murray wide-open within a step of the basket. Murray took the moment to show off and give the rookie a taste of what an NBA All-Star can do — lobbing the ball off the backboard to himself for a dunk.
Murray then took the highlight and disrespect to the next level by grabbing the ball before Banchero could take the ball out of bounds and talking trash directly to the rookie’s face.