Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Final two-round forecast

The Houston Rockets will ultimately happily select whichever of the top three prospects from this year’s class fall to them here. Fortunately, Paolo Banchero may end up being the player they wanted all along anyway.

As the primary option at Duke, Banchero led the Blue Devils in points and rebounds per game, while also achieving the second-most assists per contest. Paolo would help propel Duke to a 32-7 record and a Final Four appearance before bowing out. His dominance at the collegiate level was undeniable and has many fans excited to see him take his talent to the next level.

Banchero has also recently garnered the interest of many around the league after rumors popped up that he measured over 6-foot-10 in a private workout. Paolo is already the best shot at creating his own shot in the top three, but if he can match his offensive output with elite size and quickness he will be dangerous at the NBA level.

Critics of Banchero will point out he’s easily the worst defender in the top three, but I don’t think that necessarily means he will be a bad defender. It’s a weakness to be sure, but his skill set is so league-ready already that I doubt Paolo will have any issues coming in and immediately replacing the recently departed Christian Wood.

Paolo fits the mold of athletically dominant big forwards we’ve seen like LaMarcus Aldridge, Tobias Harris, and Julius Randle. By picking Banchero here, the Rockets should be adding a player who will enjoy a very long career in the league.