Paolo Banchero: I’m The Best Overall Player Entering NBA Draft

Duke power forward Paolo Banchero thinks the Magic should select him with the No. 1 overall pick, and not just because that’s where he wants to be drafted.

It’s because he’s the best prospect entering the 2022 NBA Draft, he says.

“I feel like I’m the No. 1 pick in the draft just because I’m the best overall player,” Banchero said on ESPN, via Eurohoops. “I feel like I check all the boxes. Whether that is being a great teammate, being able to be a star player, or doing whatever the coach needs.”

Banchero, 19, is 6-foot-10 and hails from Seattle. He was 3-feet tall by the age of 15 months. He averaged 17.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a freshman with the Blue Devils.

Along with Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren and Auburn power forward Jabari Smith, Banchero is indeed said to be in play for the top overall pick by the Magic.

He implied his versatility gives him the edge.

“From day one, (the team that drafts him) will get versatility for sure,” Banchero said. “There’s not a position on the court where I’m not comfortable, with the ball in my hands or the ball off my hands.

“I’m going to be alright. I’m going to be an immediate impact because I’m ready physically and I’m ready mentally. I am ready to get to work.”