Duke Basketball: Analyzing where all 5 players went in 2022 NBA Draft

Paolo Banchero – No. 1 pick to the Orlando Magic

Throughout the debate for the No. 1 pick, there was a near-consensus viewpoint that Jabari Smith had the highest offensive ceiling, while Banchero was most ready to succeed as a rookie and was least likely to bust. When picking at No. 1, there can be some pressure to swing for the fences and try to get the best possible outcome to set your franchise for long-term success.

But that doesn’t mean that Banchero’s ceiling isn’t close to Smith’s. The 6’10 power forward has an offensive game that translates perfectly to the next level. He averaged 17 and 8 on 48% shooting from the field and has room to grow from outside the arc, making just 34% on 130 attempts. His stroke is fine and can shoot off the dribble as well.

At Orlando, he can play alongside either forward/center Wendelll Carter Jr. or true center Mo Bamba. More importantly, Banchero’s presence will help out the guards on offense, including the likes of Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, R.J. Hampton, and Gary Harris. Outside of All-Rookie wing Franz Wagner, the rest of the roster is up in the air in terms of who will be part of the long-term plans.

Having Banchero will be a boost to the overall offense and should give them the power forward for the future. He’s not likely good enough to get Orlando out of the lottery for the next year or two but this is a franchise that hasn’t hit back-to-back lottery picks since the Dwight Howard days. Hopefully, this ends up as a “hit” instead of a “miss”.