The conclusion of the NBA regular season marks the beginning of the play-in tournament, set to commence on Tuesday night. This allows us to reflect collectively on the performance of the 2022 draft class during their rookie seasons. However, our assessment goes beyond simply ranking the top rookies; we’re delving into their journeys, tracing back to their high school rankings and ultimately their draft selections.
This comprehensive approach not only offers insights into the development of these players but also sheds light on the characteristics or attributes that best translate to success at the highest level of basketball.
Taking all this into consideration, here are the standout rookies—14 in total, mirroring the number of lottery picks—from the 2022-23 season.
Paolo Banchero stands out as a unique talent who has consistently been at the pinnacle of his class since day one. Identified early on as one of the top prospects in the 2021 high school class, he maintained this status throughout his four years in high school. His exceptional performance as a freshman at Duke last year solidified his position as the best freshman in NCAA basketball. When Orlando surprised many by selecting him as the number one pick on draft night, he quickly validated their choice, leaving little doubt about his claim to the Rookie of the Year title.
Throughout the season, Banchero showcased his scoring prowess, registering 20 points or more in 40 out of 72 games played. He continued to refine his skills, transitioning into the versatile playmaker we witnessed during his college career. While his playing style leans towards mid-range shots and he still has room for improvement beyond the arc, there were notable improvements post-All-Star break, particularly evident in his 37% three-point shooting in March.
This progression aligns with his consistent pattern of growth over the years. Banchero remains at the forefront of his class by continually adding new dimensions to his game with each passing season.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
