I have gone back and forth with exchanging the top four prospects but it always seems that Paulo makes it to one on my board. It may be because I've watched more Paolo film than any other player in the class other than Jaden Ivey and Jeremy Sochan but I am just fascinated by his game and his incredible potential. At 6'10 and 250lbs, Paulo has great size and length for a forward. Paulo's superb shot creating ability and his potential on the offense game is very intriguing. Paulo is a very versatile scorer inside and out. His advanced ball handling ability for his size allows him to take defenders to the rim. He is able to change pace very well. When he goes coast to coast, he is near impossible to stop. His handle gives him the potential to be a lethal point forward in the NBA and a scary secondary/tertiary playmaker. A 6'10 250lber with this good of a handle is terrifying for defenders. In the post, his footwork is too quick for other bigs. Because he is able to finish with contact easily, he thrives in the post. His post turn is a move very few players were and will be able to guard. He isn't the most gifted shooter however he is very confident and can knock down shots. His shooting should develop as he grows as a player. His mechanics should translate to the NBA level and he should be an efficient shooter from the start. He is a great rebounder and is aggressive when boxing out. Paulo isn't selfish either and looks to pass a lot. He is comfortable in either role in the pick and roll. As a passer, he is good. He can post in both the high and low post. His ballhandling combined with his shot creation will make a mismatch nightmare at the NBA level. He moves off the ball well when he wants to. However, there are a lot of concerns with Paolo's defensive game as many have seen a lack of effort along with a lack of lateral quickness. He also hasn't shown anything as a rim protector averaging less than a block a game at Duke. Paulo's lack of engagement is also a problem as he is lazy on defense at times. However when engaged, Paulo showed to be a positive team defender. Paulo is also different with a condition where he lost 7-8lbs a game in the beginning of the collegiate season just from sweating. This can make his ability to consistently maintain weight a problem. As the season went on, it wasn't as much of a problem. I would like to see a drastic increase in effort without the ball on both sides of the ball from Paolo. With more engagement and getting used to the NBA game, Paulo can be a better defender than those think. His offensive game is incredible and very NBA ready. By choosing Paulo, teams are getting guaranteed offense and a guy who has the potential to be an effective defender. He is a lock for the top four.
Pro Comp: Carlos Boozer++, Chris Webber
Best Fit: Orlando Magic In all honestly, I think Paolo is one of two players in this class with number 1 option potential (the other being Chet, I see Jabari as a number 2). Orlando has a great young roster with a nice guard trio of Anthony, Suggs, and Fultz along with Hampton being a nice addition off the bench. Franz Wagner is naturally skilled basketball player who had a phenomenal rookie year. Bamba and Carter both took big steps this past season even though Bamba is a free agent. Chuma Okeke looks like he will have a solid NBA career. Of course, there are a ton of questions about Jonathan Isaac as he hasn't played basketball in 2+ seasons. Despite having this awesome young squad, I don't think any of them have number one option potential. Adding Paolo would give them that base. He wouldn't have worry about his defense as he would be surrounded by good, young defenders. Most mocks will either have Chet or Jabari here but I'm sold on Paolo being the best player and fit for the Magic in this draft.