Paolo Banchero Scouting Report

Even though it is early in the season Banchero has marked himself as one of the best players in college basketball. Expect to hear his name called early in the 2022 NBA draft, as he has all the makings of a future star. 

Bio and Measurables:

Strengths: Banchero is a presumed top three pick in the upcoming NBA draft for good reason. A physically imposing 6-10 forward, who epitomizes the new era of big men, already has the physical attributes to be an instant contributor at the next level. Through four games at Duke, Banchero has shown that he can be a significant contributor on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he certainly leans on his physical attributes. His size and strength allows him to defend on the interior and be an active rebounder. As a rebounder, he is comfortable cleaning the defensive glass and immediately starting the break, transitioning into a point forward role. This ability to become a ball handler in transition and above the three point line in the half court, will translate extremely well in the NBA.  An above average dribbler for his size, Banchero doesn’t have an overly quick first step or an array of dribble moves, however if he is given the space to operate his frame allows him to get downhill toward the basket and finish in the post or around the rim. Complimenting his ability to finish around the rim, Banchero also touts a smooth shooting stroke from inside the three point line. While it may not be the best shot analytically, he shoots the mid-range at 50.0% . Being able to pull up from the elbow will force defenders to either commit to the drive allowing him to create space to pull up or lean into challenging his shot and risk getting bullied back into the paint. Offensively is truly where Banchero shines and he will continue to showcase his ability throughout the season. He has continued to improve game to game and with immense potential going forward he could challenge as the number one pick in the upcoming draft. 

Areas of Improvement: Even though he is a presumed top three prospect the best version of Paolo Banchero in the NBA will address a majority of his current areas of improvement. Starting on the offensive end of the floor as Banchero continues to develop he will continue to have the ball in his hand as a decision maker. With this will come an increased playmaking ability. While he isn’t necessarily a bad playmaker right now, he hovers somewhere around net neutral in my opinion. As he continues to expand his game he will begin to see the floor in transition not only as a point-forward on the break but also as a willing passer and playmaker, which should translate to the halfcourt. Being able to make the right decision in the post and out of the double team will also increase his playmaking ability and should come with time. In addition to playmaking, the Duke freshman should continue to work on improving his willingness and ability to shoot from beyond the arc. He already has a smooth shooting stroke and an expanded range in comparison to a “traditional” big man with his mid-range game. If he can continue to work on taking and making shots from behind the three point line his ability to space the floor and open up the rest of his game will only increase. Defensively, we have already mentioned he leans on his size and strength the majority of the time. While he has the size to guard both the forward and center position I don’t believe he will ever be a cornerstone defensive piece on any team. He doesn’t have the leaping ability to be an elite shot blocker and as it currently stands he has proven to be an average defender at the collegiate level. I do believe that he can be a solid team defender if he is both aggressive and inspired on the defensive end. Physically, he may not be able to drastically improve his speed or leaping ability but may be able to marginally improve which will help him on both ends of the floor. 

External Factors: Banchero has no outstanding external factors diminishing his draft stock. While he was involved in a DWI two weeks ago, he has remained with the Duke program and has been featured in every game since. 

Medical History: Currently, there is no medical history or lingering injuries that will impact Banchero’s draft stock.   

Summary: Overall, Banchero is a top three talent in this upcoming draft with his current skillset. If he is able to work on his areas of improvement, specifically taking and making shots behind the arc consistently, he will open up the floor for both himself and his future teammates. With every prospect, potential is a major consideration with their draft position, with Banchero his current abilities make him close to a sure thing but it is his potential that will determine the difference between a great player and one that is All-Star caliber. If he can commit to opening up his game on the offensive end and stay involved on defensive side of the ball he will be extremely successful in the league for years to come.

MIP Projection: Top Three