NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Knicks land Donovan Mitchell; Jabari Smith at No. 1

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NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero (Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports) /

3. Detroit Pistons – Paolo Banchero, F, Duke

Assuming that the Detroit Pistons have the top three prospects all graded pretty closely, which most do, selecting No. 3 could be a blessing in disguise for a team that has plenty of rebuilding to do. Even though they’ll probably have their preferences, I’m not sure the Pistons would be all that unhappy with selecting Paolo Banchero at No. 3.

Banchero showed plenty of potential during his freshman season and Duke and have a few moments in the NCAA Tournament where he really flashed as a potential future No. 1 on a team.

If he can continue to translate that into strong pre-draft workout sessions, he could solidify himself as a top 3 pick. Under the right circumstances, there’s a chance that he could go No. 1 overall. There’s still plenty of time before we know for sure where he’ll be selected, however.