Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 26: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts after being called for a foul against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Continental Tire Challenge at T-Mobile Arena on November 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Duke won 84-81. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 30: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils drives the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on November 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Paolo Banchero

Next up is the 6’10, 255 lb freight train that is Duke forward Paolo Banchero. A manchild who can bulldoze his way to the rim whenever he feels like it, whether he’s posting you up, facing up, or taking it off the glass and pushing it in transition.

Banchero has come a long way since I watched him as a freshman in high school when he had more of an old-school, traditional type game. But in the last two seasons, he has really made himself more valuable by modernizing his game. He’s implemented the three-ball and improved his handle and vision, all of which make him the coveted prospect he has become.

He’ll need to improve his defensive consistency and intensity at all times, while also becoming more consistent on his three-point shot, but he has an NBA-ready body at just 19 years of age and I believe he can be your primary playmaker, as he averaged 3.2 assists last season.

But that does him a disservice, considering the college game doesn’t have as much spacing as the NBA level, and he was playing with non-shooters on Duke who couldn’t connect on some easy looks he created for them.

Banchero, to me, is the most polished offensive player in this draft class, and I believe he will make an immediate impact upon his arrival in the NBA for whatever franchise gets his services.

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