From: Duke
Age: 19
Measurables: 6-10, 250 pounds
Key 2021-22 stats: 17.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 47.8 FG percentage
NBA.com consensus mock draft position: 3
OVERVIEW
With scoring continuing to climb in recent years, NBA teams recognize that they must have players who can create their own shot and get buckets in order to compete at the highest level, particularly during the playoffs. That seems to be the biggest selling point for Banchero, described by ESPN.com as “what many consider to be the draft’s most skilled offensive player – a 6-10, shot-creating dynamo who can carry a significant load with his ability to handle, pass and shoot.” Along similar lines, NBA.com wrote of Banchero “his size and athletic ability make him a perfect fit in today’s NBA. Should be able to contribute right away and eventually progress into a perennial All-Star.”
DRAFT RANGE
There aren’t many sure things about the draft each year, but prognosticators are on the same page about at least one aspect of the 2022 event, with virtually everyone projecting Banchero to be selected third by Houston. Ten of the 12 mock drafts recently surveyed by NBA.com have the Seattle native going to the Rockets. No site has him dropping below No. 3.
PRO PLAYER COMPARISONS
Paolo Banchero, Duke
Blake Griffin, Juwan Howard, Julius Randle or Chris Webber?
In a Twitter poll among fans, Randle picked up 43 percent of votes as the best player comp, followed by Webber at 30 percent. A draft scout from another NBA team concurred with the balloting that tabbed the current New York Knicks power forward as the most fitting analogy for Banchero’s game.
Scout’s take: “Julius Randle is the comp for me. Great combination of size, dribble game, and passing. His three-point shooting will determine if he ever becomes an All-Star. But like Julius, he has the body and game to be able to bully guys inside the arc. Good passer, but very turnover prone. Will probably never be anything more than an average defender. Not a rim protector, but may have some potential as a versatile switch defender.”
Other Duke prospects
Mark Williams, Duke
Clint Capela, DeAndre Jordan, Hassan Whiteside or Robert Williams?
Scout’s take: “Hassan Whiteside. Projects as an above-average shot-blocker and finisher. Like Whiteside, he is an elite offensive rebounder, but I have questions about defensive rebounding impact. Seems like he pads his stats with uncontested defensive boards. Projects as a good ball-screen defender, although some of his mobility in that regard is overstated. More suited to play in a more of a drop type coverage.”
Wendell Moore, Duke
Bruce Brown, Gary Harris, Josh Hart or Caleb Martin?
Scout’s take: “Moore is a combination of the Martin twins. He has Cody’s passing and defensive abilities, and can make threes at a high clip similar to Caleb. Despite sporting a good percentage, he is a reluctant three-point shooter. Needs to develop more confidence in his shot.”
Trevor Keels, Duke
Lu Dort or Rodney Stuckey?
Scout’s take: “His defensive ability and body remind me of Lu Dort. However, he lacks Dort’s ability to crash the defensive glass. Keels’ offensive game is a long way away. The three-point percentage and free throw percentage numbers aren’t great. Guards who are defense-first have a small margin for error. Dort made his name defending Harden in the playoffs. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Okogie were both good guard defenders, whose offensive output made it difficult for them to get on the floor.”