Paolo Banchero has become one of the best players in the NBA because of his performances with the Orlando Magic.
The 22-year-old led the Orlando Magic back into the playoffs after a three-year absence, and although they have not made it past the first round, the Eastern Conference side have a bright future ahead.
Jeff Teague recently gave Paolo Banchero his praise by picking him over Victor Wembanyama.
While the All-Star has done well in his first three NBA seasons to prove that he deserved to go first overall in the draft, Tim Bontemps picked another player in the 2022 re-draft on ESPN’s Hoop Collective podcast.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesBontemps picks Jalen Williams over Banchero in 2022 re-draft
Jalen Williams possibly had the best third year any NBA player could have asked for as he won the championship, alongside making the All-Star and All-Defensive teams.
He put up some big performances for the OKC Thunder throughout the NBA Finals, and after the victory Williams revealed that he was playing with an injured wrist.
His ability to be a scorer, while also locking up the opposition’s best player, are qualities that helped the Thunder significantly.
Banchero certainly is a superstar in the making, but Bontemps stated the modern NBA needed a player like Williams when giving his reason behind picking the Thunder star as his first overall pick in the 2022 re-draft.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
He said: “I can certainly understand why someone would pick Paolo as a 6.10 guy with the package he’s got offensively.
“But when you look at the modern NBA, the thing you need more than anything else is two-way wing play and Jalen Williams is a guy who could be considered an all defense candidate on the wing, who put up huge scoring games in the Finals, did it on the biggest stage, so I’m gonna take him first overall.”
Williams can win multiple championships
Williams’ brilliant performances with the Thunder meant that he was given a five-year $287 million extension by the Thunder.
He is considered the second-best player in the franchise behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Williams plays the most important role on the team.
His ability to make plays and score the ball, while also giving his best on the defensive end are qualities of a brilliant NBA player.
He would want to continue playing for the Thunder, as they have one of the best rosters in the league and seem to be a dynasty in the making.
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However, even if Williams moves to another team, he can be a valuable player due to his abilities.
Although Williams was picked 24th in his draft class, he was determined to be successful and proved in his rookie season that he deserved to be drafted higher.
Early indications are that he will earn many more honors, and if it all goes right, Williams could become one of the best two-way players in modern NBA.