Duke basketball: Paolo Banchero already top-10 NBA power forward?

Fair or not, expectations are building quickly for Paolo Banchero.

Matt Giles | Aug 22, 2022

Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)

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Duke Blue Devils

Frank Urbina of HoopsHype recently ranked the NBA's top 25 power forwards heading into the 2022-23 season. And despite no regular-season games under his belt, 2021-22 Duke basketball one-and-done and Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero appeared at No. 10, leading to a wide range of responses from fans on social media.

Consider that the 19-year-old Banchero sits 11 spots higher than his fellow NBA Blue Devil in Orlando, Wendell Carter Jr., a 23-year-old who averaged a double-double last season with 15.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

After going No. 1 overall at the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero is likely to immediately earn a starting nod alongside Carter — listed as a center on many sites.

But as for why Banchero might already be deserving of a mention as one of the league's premier power forwards, Urbina pointed to the Seattle native's two prolific Summer League performances: 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.

Then Urbina added the following brief assessment of Banchero's advanced repertoire and 2022-23 outlook:

"Banchero is a smooth scorer and a creative passer who gives a ton of effort on the defensive end, too, the type of player a rebuilding squad like the Magic can truly build around thanks to his on- and off-court characteristics. The favorite to take home Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, we expect an exciting season out of the Duke Blue Devil who'll be manning the 4-spot in Orlando."

New Orleans Pelicans sensation Zion Williamson, the only NBA Blue Devil ahead of Banchero among power forwards, ranks No. 4 in Urbina's eyes.

Williamson trails only No. 1 Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, No. 2 Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, and No. 3 Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Aug 22, 2022

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.