NBA: How are the top picks from the draft performing in Summer League?

Paolo Banchero, F, Orlando Magic

While some mock drafts had Paolo Banchero falling to the third pick, others, as I thought, he was by far the best player in the draft, and he is proving why.

All rookies have something to work on in this game. The primary concern surrounding Banchero is the turnovers. In a Summer League game against the Sacramento Kings, we saw Banchero struggle and turn the ball over eight times, and people are concerned if this will continue.

I have said that Banchero’s primary concern is that he is too unselfish; he tries to get his team involved when he can take over games with ease. Banchero will quickly learn that he is the best player and needs to drive the lane more often, but what fans have seen from Banchero has been outstanding.

Every time he steps onto the floor, it is obvious who the best player is out there. Standing 6-foot-10, 250 lbs, Banchero has insane playmaking ability. He always finds the open player and dishes the ball with finesse. His ability to get to the basket is unbelievable, and even though it is just the Summer League, his defense is leaps and bounds better than it was in his collegiate career.

If Banchero continues to get minutes, he will keep proving why he was the No. 1 overall selection on draft night.