Former Duke basketball star Paolo Banchero looks set for the NBA.
It didn’t take long for Paolo Banchero to prove he was ready for the NBA at the Las Vegas Summer League and now the Duke basketball star is taking a step up in the competition.
Videos have emerged of Banchero playing against several established NBA players in New York, including Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell, and doing more than defending.
The former Blue Devil was seen scoring on Mitchell in multiple possession and leaving the three-time All-Star puzzled by the strength and basketball prowess of the Orlando Magic’s latest No. 1 pick.
Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his lone season at Durham as the Seattle, Washington native was named freshman of the ACC as well as a second American team by consensus.
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The Magic only allowed their top pick to play in two Summer League games in which the 6-foot-10 forward dominated with 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists ties, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
Basketball star Duke welcomed to NBA by All-Star
Donovan Mitchell also welcomed Paolo Banchero to the league on an open run as the explosive guard has a trick up his sleeve for the rookie.
Mitchell hit Banchero with a quick crossover and a two-handed dunk into the scrum.
Donovan Mitchell has been at the center of hit trade rumors as the Jazz may seek to rebuild their organization following the resignation of head coach Quin Snyder and star trade center Rudy Gobert this offseason.
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Mitchell has been linked to the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat after averaging more than 20.0 points per game in each of his first five NBA seasons.
It’s still unclear when Paolo Banchero will officially make his NBA debut, but more highlights are certainly not far off for the former Blue Devil.
