I think this was the right pick. We needed a 3-level scorer, and that's really hard to find. He's 6'10" with a handle and ability to make plays for himself and others. He has a lot of the qualities that made me like Wagner last year. Having two guys with this kind of size being able to handle and pass is going to be an advantage for us.
I was out on Banchero when the college basketball season ended. But, this article by Dean on the Draft really sold me and made me want to rewatch some of his old games. When I went back, his shot making in March and playmaking really stood out. I encourage anyone on edge to give it a read.
https://deanondraft.com/2022/03/24/where-does-paolo-banchero-fit-in-the-modern-nba-and-2022-draft/Something about picking Smith #1 never sat right with me. I feel like we were doing too many mental gymnastics trying to imagine him as some Jayson Tatum-like figure, when in reality the closest thing to a wing scorer was actually Banchero. Smith is going to be really good. I have no doubts about it. And as much as he shot the ball from 3 really well, I felt like settling for jumpers was the extent of his ability on offense. There's so much more to being a good offensive player than just shooting. Ball handling, passing, vision, finishing at the rim are important attributes. You can be a knock down shooter, but if you can't do anything else, it's going to get exposed at some point, especially in the playoffs. Maybe Smith develops that at some point, but Banchero does a lot of things at his size that is far harder to find right now.
I do think think the fit on this roster is awkward, but I'm not dodging a player who I think is the best player because they don't fit with my guards who might not even be starting on 90% of the teams in the league. Either two of Fultz, Suggs, Anthony, Hampton get much better at shooting, or Weltman and Hammond are going to have to make some changes. Regardless of who we picked, our back court sucked and needs improvement. I wouldn't be married to any of those young guards until they prove they can play good offensive basketball for a full season.
In terms of how Weltman and Hammond conducted the draft and keeping it a secret, you have to hand it to them. They did an amazing job of holding their cards to their chest. I imagine they tried to drive the Smith message home to punk Houston or OKC into trading up for Smith, and the Magic taking their Banchero at #3 or #2 while picking up another asset. Neither team bit, and the Magic just took their guy at #1. Excellent gamesmanship.
