Previously, I stated my hope that the Thunder select Chet Holmgren with the second pick of the 2022 NBA draft. That is not necessarily a popular opinion. For instance, check the comment section on any article related to the NBA draft where you are bound to find a half dozen Thunder fans pleading that Sam Presti call anyone else's name.
For the people who want anyone else, here is a name for them:
PAOLO BANCHERO
Position: Combo Forward
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 240 lbs
College: Duke
Player comps: Ben Simmons
The case for…
There was a time when Thunder fans were fed up with the Thunder always selecting long, athletic wing players who really contributed nothing other than an ability to be a pest on defense. The past few years, however, have seen a shift in that dynamic. Athleticism has taken a backseat as the team has brought in more skilled players that are able to handle the ball and pass well. Josh Giddey's calling card was as an elite passer, and the appeal of Aleksej Pokusevski was that at 7'0" tall, he could handle the ball like a guard and make highlight-level passes. Banchero would definitely follow in that trend.