The 2022 NBA draft is touted to be one of the most stacked draft classes in recent history. Be it an explosive guard, a versatile forward, or even a big man who has elite ball handling skills, the draft class has it all. While the draft is undoubtedly pretty deep, three names specifically stood out in the list: Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith.
While Holmgren might be a lanky center, he has incredible ball handling skills for his size and has elite potential defensively. Smith, on the other hand, is a 6’10” forward who has an amazing perimeter shot and can bring incredible intensity to the defensive end as well.
Although the hype surrounding both Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. was massive going into draft night, it was Paolo Banchero who was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. A 6’10” forward, Banchero is not only elite offensively, but he also has incredible composure and can be a great playmaker as well. The three players recently participated in the NBA Summer League as well. While Jabari Smith Jr. did not have the best of times, Banchero and Holmgren were clearly standout performers in the same.
After participating in the Summer League, it seems like Banchero hasn’t stopped the grind and continued to put in the work. This time, the 20-year-old was spotted in a gym alongside Utah Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell.
Paolo Banchero was cooking Donavan Mitchell 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gmJ2zeMazE
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) July 21, 2022
Not only did the two put some reps in together, but they also faced off against each other as well. In a recent viral clip, Banchero can be seen dominating Mitchell. Racing down the court, one can see the number one pick handling the ball with composure and shooting the ball over Mitchell with ease. NBA fans certainly were excited about the talent that is Paolo Banchero.
Magic got a killer
— God’s Gift (@ralphh_5) July 22, 2022
Smooth
— Neco (@ceo_neco) July 22, 2022
My mans like that
— Rodney Melton 2️⃣ (@_shaboogie) July 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/be_eazy22/status/1550312340981161987
Banchero will be a problem but let’s not act like Donovan plays any defense to begin with.
— LA LAKERS (@AxavierLake) July 22, 2022
He’s about to win so many rings for the Lakers
— Connor Peña (@AJenkinsBrother) July 22, 2022
On Every possession
— KRS-TWO (@Dwagg_) July 22, 2022
Looking very good.
— John Maiorana (@JohnMaiorana3) July 22, 2022
That boy reaches for god himself to help him out on defense 😭 pic.twitter.com/ydIktse118
— ball knower (@nova2o9) July 22, 2022
Paolooooooo……..
— Joseph Wilson (@Joewil2000) July 22, 2022
Too Small
— No Hate (@NoHate88434248) July 22, 2022
I hope he said "sup shorty" each time
— therealsmokinbear! (@jdpete357) July 22, 2022
It is certainly a rare sight to see that a rookie shows this amount of ease and composure in his shot-making abilities. While Mitchell is much shorter than him, it is promising to see that Banchero isn’t afraid to hoop against an NBA superstar.
But playing in the NBA will be very different from these practices. With defenses collapsing on him trying to build some pressure, all the pressure will be on the number one pick to step up. Can Paolo Banchero fulfill his potential?
