The 2022 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Paolo Banchero 2022 NBA Draft Profile.
Position: Forward
Size: 6-foot-10, 250 pounds
School: Duke
Class: Freshman
2021-22 stats: 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, 1.1 steals, 47.8% FG, 33.8% 3FG%, 72.9% FT%
Banchero is another one of the good one-and-dones in the 2022 NBA Draft class. He spent one season at Duke and is now heading to the pros.
As a five-star prospect out of Washington, Banchero traveled across the country to play for Duke. He helped Duke get to the 2022 Final Four after they earned a no. 2 seed. They lost in the Final Four to North Carolina after a great season. Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the Blue Devils.
In his lone season of college basketball, Banchero showed how good of a scorer he can be. Now, he is a projected top-five pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
For his size, Banchero’s ball-handling is what sets him apart. He can handle the ball like a guard. This helps him in transition and also to create his own shots. He is able to operate the pick and roll as the ball handler. He can truly be a matchup problem at the next level because of his ball-handling.
Banchero shows potential as a three-level scorer. He can drive to the basket and finishes well. His mid-range game is a blast from the past, as he can be proficient in the mid to high post. While he can be more consistent as a shooter from deep, he was ok from 3-point range at Duke at 33.8 percent.
His body is NBA-ready at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds. Other prospects in this class have to add some massive weight to their frames, but Banchero won’t have to do that work. He can spend that time improving his skill to be a better player.
As mentioned, he needs to become a more consistent 3-point shooter. If he can push his percentage up from 33 percent to closer to 40 percent, while also adjusting to the NBA 3-point line, he can be a more well-rounded offensive player.
His perimeter defense could use some work. He doesn’t have the greatest foot speed to stay in front on the perimeter. He will likely play one of the forward spots in the NBA, but could be a real liability if he gets switched into a guard.
While his perimeter defense isn’t great, he doesn’t offer much rim protection either. He is 6-foot-10, but averaged just 1.1 blocks per 40 minutes. His offensive game will have to greatly outweigh the defense he provides.
Projected Draft Range: Top-Five Pick
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