Draft Outlook
That the Pacers even made it to the Play-In Tournament was a testament to their talent, finishing ninth in spite of significant injuries and a fractious coaching situation under one-and-done Nate Bjorkgren. T.J. Warren, a bubble breakout late last season, lasted four games before a foot injury shut him down. Caris LeVert, acquired in the Victor Oladipo trade, had cancer surgery. Shot blocker Myles Turner missed the final six weeks with an injured toe. Malcolm Brogdon (16) and Domantas Sabonis (10) had double-digit misses too. Bright spots around them such as T.J. McConnell and Doug McDermott will test the free agent market. Hiring Rick Carlisle was a step toward stability and commitment to more proven methods. Now it’s on the players and good health.
A Stat That Matters
36% — 36% of Pacers opponents’ shots, the league’s highest opponent rate by a comfortable margin, came in the restricted area. They allowed a league-high 40.4 points per game in the restricted area.
The Way To Go
This will be Indiana’s highest pick since Turner (No. 11) in 2015 and Paul George (No. 10) in 2010. A case can be made that the Pacers need help everywhere except center as long as Sabonis, Turner and Goga Bitadze remain on the roster and if McConnell and/or McDermott leave. They have plenty of players who want the ball, but a playmaking guard or especially a defensively adept wing would scratch a real itch. And who doesn’t need shooting? Names that have been floated for that No. 13 first-rounder include Baylor guard Davion Mitchell, Australia’s Josh Giddey, Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert, Arkansas’ Moses Moody and Michigan’s Franz Wagner.
Under Contract
G: Malcolm Brogdon
G: Aaron Holiday
G: Caris LeVert
G/F: Jeremy Lamb
F/G: Oshae Brissett
F/G: Justin Holiday
F: Kelan Martin
F: T.J. Warren
F/C: Goga Bitadze
F/C: Domantas Sabonis
C/F: Myles Turner
C: Amida Brimah
Free Agents
G: T.J. McConnell (unrestricted)
G: Cassius Stanley (restricted)
G: Edmond Sumner (team option)
F: Doug McDermott (unrestricted)
F: JaKarr Sampson (unrestricted)
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Cassius Stanley (54)
— Steve Aschburner