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The Oklahoma City Thunder were one of the biggest winners of the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery. Although they didn't land the top overall pick, they have the second overall selection in a draft with three clear top players.
With the Orlando Magic setting their sights on Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren having great draft stock (and a strong connection with Jalen Suggs), Paolo Banchero is likely going to be there at the second overall pick. This is great news for the Thunder but the Duke star may be hoping he falls to the third pick if the Magic don't take him first overall.
The catch with Banchero is that he doesn't really want to play for the Thunder. As a native of Seattle, he has a distaste for the franchise over leaving the city out to dry. That, coupled with Oklahoma City's lack of success in recent years, makes OKC a pretty undesirable location.
However, where Banchero goes is not up to him. The Thunder could use a talent like him and they should consider drafting him. With the right players around him, he could learn to accept the franchise for what it is and thrive with it.
3 reasons Paolo Banchero would be perfect pick for Thunder at No. 2 in 2022 NBA Draft
3. Banchero fits with the roster
The roster fit should not be the biggest priority that a team with a high pick should look for in a prospect. Still, it helps that Banchero would be the frontcourt presence that the Thunder need.
The Thunder have plenty of options at guard with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort and Tre Mann. In the frontcourt, they are much thinner. Darius Bazley, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Isaiah Roby and Aleksej Pokusevski are a mixed bag. Banchero would instantly be their top forward. Any of the previously mentioned names could play alongside him. Banchero is best suited to play the four but he is nimble enough to play up a position.
The Thunder don't have a strong center option but they could either find one in free agency or draft one with their 12th overall pick. Banchero's teammate Mark Williams would be a strong option, as would Memphis standout Jalen Duren. Regardless, the Thunder had a need that Banchero satisfies.
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2. The Thunder have the playmakers to help Banchero
Having a team that can support Banchero as he learns the ropes is key. The Thunder don't have a great overall infrastructure but they do have one key aspect of the game that any young scorer wants: playmaking.
Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 6.4 and 5.9 assists per game last season, should be super helpful for Banchero. Both of them can help Banchero come along as a scorer, even though he may not need a whole lot. His ability to score in isolation makes him such a tantalizing prospect but using him off of closeouts, as a screener and in off-ball actions can truly unlock him.
Giddey, especially, has a splendid knack for playmaking that should be very useful for Banchero. He can zip passes to wherever and can read defenses well. Gilgeous-Alexander is a solid secondary playmaker and can leverage his scoring abilities to get Banchero open.
1. Banchero has the highest ceiling in this year's draft class
At the end of the day, the Thunder need the best player they can get in order to build back into a good team. Although the beauty of each player is in the eye of the beholder, Banchero has a great shot to be the best player in this year's draft.
Banchero has showcased a scoring ability unlike any player in this year's class. He is the whole package, displaying athleticism, footwork, shooting and ball-handling (all at varying degrees) with his scoring. Even in the areas where he isn't as strong, namely his defense, he has shown flashes of potential in those areas.
The NBA draft is all about finding the future of a team, especially when that team needs a future to be hopeful about. The Thunder don't seem that interested in Banchero but that is a mistake that can and should be corrected. OKC should draft the Duke star second overall.
