In most 2022 NBA mock drafts, Duke forward Paolo Banchero is quickly becoming the popular choice for the Houston Rockets at No. 3 overall in the first round. But is it the best fit for both sides?
Kevin O’Connor, NBA insider for The Ringer, says he has some concerns about Banchero’s potential fit with the Rockets due to issues on the defensive end of the floor. In the video version of his latest mock draft, where O’Connor does project Banchero to Houston, he explains:
I don’t love the fit for Banchero, and I don’t love it for culture reasons. I’d prefer Banchero to go to a place where there’s already a level of accountability and a level of understanding that in order to get consistent minutes, you need to be playing defense at a high level. Detroit would be one of those teams. I think Cade Cunningham is the level of player who is setting that tone, and holding players accountable.
With that said, that doesn’t mean Houston can’t develop that over the course of time. That is something Banchero can grow into. At 6-10, 250 pounds, he has size and quickness. It’s the fundamentals and effort, that’s what needs to change. His defensive effort fluctuated in high school and absolutely evaporated in college. It was very disappointing what he did defensively at Duke.
But the positive side, he’s strong and quick. He could become versatile, and he’s not a bad help defender by any means, when you have that type of size. Pairing him with (Alperen) Sengun in the frontcourt, it’s not perfect.
