After landing the 3rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets are in position to take the next step in their fresh rebuild. The talented young duo of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. is already in place. With another top pick, the Rockets can round out a young core to build around for the future.
The consensus among most post-lottery mock drafts is that Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith will be the top picks. That leaves Houston likely to select Paolo Banchero with the third pick. Banchero had a strong season at Duke, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his freshman year. He looks primed to make a successful leap to the NBA.
There are other viable options for Houston at the No. 3 spot, including standout wings Jaden Ivey and Shaedon Sharpe. Despite the temptation other options might provide, GM Rafael Stone needs to keep it simple and draft Banchero. Here are three reasons Paolo Banchero is the perfect pick for the Houston Rockets:
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NBA-ready frame & skillset
Besides Smith, Banchero may be the most pro-ready prospect in the draft. His 6'10”, 250 pound frame should excite the Rockets. Many prospects enter the league needing to reshape their body or bulk up for the increased physicality of the NBA. Banchero will have no such issue. His build will help him adjust to the professional environment quicker than his rookie peers.
Beyond his physical attributes, Banchero's game is incredibly polished for a 19-year-old. The big man led all NCAA freshman in scoring. He was an efficient paint finisher, shooting 67% at the rim. Banchero also showed flashes of perimeter scoring and shot creation. He shot 33% from 3-point range on three attempts per game. His 124 assists ranked 10th in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Obviously, there are still adjustments to be made with Banchero's game. However, his starting point will help in making an immediate impact with little growing pains.
Fit with young core
Another huge concern around most NBA prospects is fitting into the team-focused game after being a star throughout their youth. Houston's own Jalen Green struggled to find his footing early on. The Rockets have no reason to worry with Banchero.
Banchero played alongside a stacked supporting cast at Duke. From AJ Griffin to Mark Williams, multiple of Banchero's teammates are expected to be first-round picks. Thriving and finding team success with a roster full of incredibly talented players isn't as easy as it sounds. The fact that Banchero was able to find a balance of individual and team performance with this star-studded roster speaks to his fit with a talented core.
The Rockets should take note of this. With Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. at the focal point of Houston's game plan, Banchero will need to carve out his own role and provide a unique value to the team. If his time at Duke is any indicator, Banchero will be just fine.
Superstar potential
What it should really come down to for Houston is the upside. Banchero was a bonafide star in college, earning All-ACC and All-NCAA Tournament honors. He looked like one of, if not the best player in the country during March Madness. He dropped a postseason high 22 points against Texas Tech to advance to the Elite Eight.
Winning and shining in a high-pressure game tells the whole story about Paolo's potential. His physical dominance and polished skills give him the potential to take over games and develop into a championship-caliber player.
Banchero could easily end up the best player from this year's draft. If the Rockets take him, the Houston front office could look like geniuses in the future for what seems like a simple choice in the present.
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