NBA Draft 2022: Should the Orlando Magic take Paolo Banchero or Chet Holmgren?

The Case for Paolo Banchero

Similar to Chet, Paolo Banchero is unique in his own way. Banchero stands six feet ten inches and when you watch him at the offensive end, there are things he does that a guy his size cannot normally do on a basketball court.

Banchero’s case for number one is mainly his offensive upside. Banchero averaged 17 points per game on 47% from the field and just under 34% from three. Banchero was extremely efficient on the offensive end for two reasons: Multi-level scoring and Opponent Preparation.

Banchero’s multi-level scoring made him an absolute matchup nightmare. It was very rare to find someone that would be able to contest his shot on the perimeter and be able to stop him on drives to the rim. It was difficult to find someone that could be physical with him as well considering Banchero weighs 250 pounds.

Duke’s roster around Banchero made him a preparation problem for other coaches as well. The Blue Devils as a team were top 40 in the country in three-point percentage and Banchero averaged over three assists a game. Other team’s best bet for preparing for Duke’s offense was preventing drives and hoping shooters missed threes. Banchero’s ability to knock down shots and also get in the lane was a huge reason for Duke’s offense to be one of the top in the country.