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Draymond Green pays serious compliment to Paolo Banchero during NBA Summer League

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•07/10/22•

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Ethan Miller | Getty Images

Paolo Banchero has lived up to his reputation as the 2022 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick in the NBA Summer League. He has led the Magic to a 2-0 record thus far in Las Vegas. The Duke product has averaged 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds along with 2.5 steals per game in the two victories. Banchero’s splits have been efficient as well with 40.7% from the field, 50% from three and 80% from the charity stripe.

His play has picked up early attention from around the league. Reactions to Summer League play, though, can often be blown out of proportion. Still, one of the NBA’s best players and biggest talkers had some thoughts of his own about this year’s top pick.

Draymond Green recognizes the exaggeration that the summer games in the NBA can cause for young players getting their feet wet in the league. Banchero does seem to be his exception with his play, though. Earning the attention of a player like Green is no small feat, especially considering Draymond’s recent demonstrations of game breakdown. It’s on Banchero to keep that attention from Vegas and into his rookie season in Orlando.

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His next opportunity will come on Monday at 9 p.m. EST on ESPN. With a game against No. 3 pick Jabari Smith and the Houston Rockets behind him, his matchup tomorrow will face him off against No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

WATCH: Paolo Banchero saves sudden-death overtime loss with huge block

One of the wildest Summer League games finally ended after an incredible block by Paolo Banchero saved the Magic from losing to an easy dunk. With the game in its second overtime period, Summer League rules make the second overtime a sudden-death game. Banchero turned the ball over after the Magic had the first opportunity to win the game, but saved the loss on an amazing highlight-play at the rim — leading to a Magic win on their next possession.