Home » NBA » “One of the guys” – Draymond Green speaks about NBA rookie Paolo Banchero

NBA Championship winner Draymond Green speaks high about NBA rookie Paolo Banchero 

Draymond Green recently won the NBA title last month with Golden State Warriors. Now, he has already started doing some scouting work and has his eyes on the impressive Paolo Banchero.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates a basket against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 24, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

He recently spoke on an episode of his podcast The Volume that he was quite impressed with the performance of Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero in Summer League this year.

“Paolo Banchero … is one of the ones,” said Green. “The reason I think Paolo is one of the guys is because of the things he did on the basketball court that were not scoring. Yes, he did all the things with the basketball. Yes, he made the plays. But the plays he made that did not involve him having the basketball is why I think Paolo will be one of the guys.

“Him getting on teammates coming in as a rookie, the winning plays that he was making down the stretch,” Green added. “When was the last time we’ve seen the Orlando Magic compete to win games like they were competing to win when Paolo was on the court? … [Paolo] is a winner … he cares.

Banchero has finished the season with 17 points, four rebounds and six assists in a win over the Houston Rockets and then tackled on 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists (plus four steals and two blocks) in another win over the Sacramento Kings.

He is just 19 years old and is already playing like a seasoned veteran in more than ways possible and has impressed the four-time champion Green. 

Paolo Banchero is one of the most versatile players on the court 

Paolo Banchero can do it all on the court which makes him special. He is a natural leader and it has been reflected time on time on the court at the Summer League.

This 19-year-old has raw strength and can easily play with contact. He can also get his teammates involved as he is a passer of the ball. Banchero has also shown his capabilities on the defensive end. He is quite quick and agile which gives him the advantage. 

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