Paolo Banchero

Draft Notes

Duke lands another elite level talent in Paolo Banchero, who is a highly talented scorer from both inside and out and is an elite level prospect who is on a fast track to the NBA. Paolo fits the mold of a modern day 4-man with his advanced skill level, offensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor.

He has excellent handles and creativity with the ball and can get his shot at will. He’s got a solid build but also has good burst and a quick first step.

Scores from 3 levels and has a nice mid range game and smooth pull-up J with a nice release. Likes to operate in the mid-post but can also initiate the offense from up top.

Has lots of natural strength and a low center of gravity. Paolo can play bully-ball and power his way to the rim, taking the defender for a ride and finishing through contact.

He can play above the rim but isn’t an amazing run/jump athlete at this point.

Comparisons

• stronger Tobias Harris
• faster David West
• Carlos Boozer

Draft Projection

top 5 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft

2022 Power Forwards

1. Paolo Banchero – 6-9 – Duke
2. Daimion Collins – 6-9 – Kentucky
3. Jabari Smith – 6-9 – Auburn
4. Nikola Jovic – 6-10 – Serbia
5. Mouhamed Gueye – 6-10 – Washington State
6. Michael Foster – 6-8 – G League Ignite
7. Roko Prkacin – 6-9 – Croatia
8. Moussa Diabate – 6-10 – Michigan (France)
9. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield – 6-9 – Tennessee
10. Azuolas Tubelis – 6-9 – Arizona (Lithuania)
11. Drew Timme – 6-10 – Gonzaga
12. Isaiah Mobley – 6-10 – USC
13. Nate Bittle – 6-11 – Oregon
14. Babacar Sane – 6-8 – Senegal
15. Makur Maker – 7-0 – Australia
16. Dawson Garcia – 6-11 – UNC
17. Anton Watson – 6-9 – Gonzaga 
18. Trayce Jackson-Davis – 6-9 – Indiana
19. Keion Brooks – 6-8 – Kentucky
20. Toumani Camara – 6-8 – Dayton
21. Jacob Toppin – 6-7 – Kentucky
22. Shareef O’Neil – 6-9 – LSU
23. Omar Payne – 6-10 – Illinois
24. C.J. Walker – 6-8 – UCF
25. Lefteris Mantzoukas – 6-9 – Greece
26. Jordan Brown – 6-11 – NA
27. Aidan Igiehon – 6-9 – Grand Canyon (Ireland)