In a re-evaluation of the 2022 NBA Draft class, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been ranked above Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, despite Banchero’s status as the leading scorer. This shift, revealed on ESPN’s Hoop Collective, highlights a debate over who represents the best overall prospect from that year’s selection.
Reassessment of the 2022 Draft Class Rankings
Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has maintained his reputation as a top offensive talent. Yet, insiders Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon, and Tim Bontemps from ESPN disagreed on his final ranking during a recent re-draft segment, placing Banchero second behind Jalen Williams, originally selected 12th by Oklahoma City.
The debate recognizes Banchero’s impressive scoring ability. Despite missing significant time due to injury, he still leads the draft class by over 500 points, underscoring his offensive prowess. One observer noted,
“Insane To Even Compare The Two However I do agree with the take that Paolo is the Best Offensive Player in the Draft He missed half the season with injury and still the leading scorer in the draft class by 500 Points ‘If the Magic shoots well Orlando could come out the…”
—Huncho Hoops, Analyst
Comparing Achievements and Playing Styles
Both players have attained notable milestones, albeit in different areas. Paolo Banchero earned the NBA Rookie of the Year and leads in scoring average. On the other hand, Jalen Williams has been recognized for his defensive contributions, earning All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors, and played a key role in Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship win.
Brian Windhorst emphasized the distinctions between their resumes, stating,
“There’s no question Jalen Williams is more decorated, but I still think Paolo Banchero is an absolute guy who can be a franchise player on a real contender.”
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Insider
Tim MacMahon further highlighted Banchero’s offensive ceiling, mentioning,
“He [Banchero] is definitely the best offensive player, the highest upside offensive player in this draft without question. His efficiency has been relatively middling; part of that is just being the No. 1 option on a young team as a young player. He is the leading scorer in this class by over 500 points despite missing a fair amount of games, and he’s the guy who has scoring leader potential.”
—Tim MacMahon, ESPN Analyst
Playoff Performance and Areas for Growth
In the playoffs, Banchero’s impact was significant despite limited appearances. Over five games, he posted the sixth-highest scoring average at 29.4 points, while Williams averaged 21.4 points, ranking 18th. This contrast underlines Banchero’s offensive ability in high-pressure situations.
However, Tim Bontemps pointed out key areas where Banchero must improve, emphasizing perimeter shooting as a critical factor. He remarked,
“This is a huge year for Paolo and the Magic. Paolo’s three years in the NBA, he shot 29.8 percent, 33.9 percent and 32 percent flat from three while taking more each year.”
—Tim Bontemps, ESPN Reporter
Bontemps also noted the Magic’s strategic moves to strengthen their roster, including acquiring sharpshooter Desmond Bane to complement Banchero’s game. He explained,
“He’s obviously a tremendous offensive player, but by going in and getting this Desmond Bane deal done, the Magic clearly believe they’ve got a window now with the way the East has fallen to potentially be a Conference Finals team, to be an NBA Finals team. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, their two cornerstone guys, have to take steps forward, particularly from an efficiency standpoint.”
—Tim Bontemps, ESPN Reporter
Implications for the Orlando Magic’s Future
The ongoing comparison between Jalen Williams and Paolo Banchero reflects broader expectations for the Orlando Magic’s ambitions in the Eastern Conference. With Banchero’s scoring talent established, much hinges on his development in shooting efficiency and overall maturity as a leader on a youthful team.
The Magic, banking on Banchero and Franz Wagner as foundational pieces, appear committed to advancing their playoff prospects. The addition of Desmond Bane signifies a push to capitalize on the weakened state of the East, aiming for deeper postseason runs.
As the upcoming season approaches, observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see if Banchero can translate his high offensive potential into greater efficiency and impact, helping the Magic contend for a spot among the league’s elite teams.