Banchero, Murray named NBA's Rookies of the Month for January

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Sacramento Kingsforward Keegan Murray have been named the NBA's Rookies of theMonth for January. Banchero beat out all other Eastern Conferencerookies, while Murray beat out his Western Conference peers.

Banchero averaged 20.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7threes and 1.3 steals in January, while leading Orlando tovictories over the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden StateWarriors, New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers amongothers. This is Banchero's second consecutive Rookie-of-the-Monthaward, as he also took home the honor in December.

Banchero recently spoke to BasketballNews about his rookie year and transition to the NBA.

“It’s been good, it’s just been a learning process. I’m stilllearning, but I’m definitely more comfortable than I was at thebeginning of the season,” Banchero said. “I think as the year goeson, stuff changes. In this game, you have ups and downs. I think Istarted off really hot and then you slow down and then you heatback up, and that’s just kinda how it goes.

"I think that’s just what I’ve been learning – how to sustain asolid focus and intensity that you can bring every night. There’sso many games, so that’s really just what I’ve been tryingto learn and pick up on. It’s been a learning process, but I’ve hada lot of fun so far.”

Murray averaged 14.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 threes inJanuary. Like Banchero, this is Murray's second consecutiveRookie-of-the-Month award, as he also took home the honor inDecember. After winning 10-of-15 games last month, the Kings havethe third-best record in the West (29-21).

Banchero was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, whileMurray was selected No. 4.

The other nominees for Rookie of the Month were Tari Eason(HOU), Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU), Walker Kessler (UTA), Jeremy Sochan(SAS), Jalen Williams (OKC), Jaden Ivey (DET) and BennedictMathurin (IND).