2023 NBA Draft Team Recap: Indiana Pacers
After a very promising 2022-2023 season the Pacers have kept that momentum rolling throughout the 2023 offseason. They locked in their franchise player, Tyrese Haliburton, to a big time extension and then brought in NBA Champion glue guy, Bruce Brown, on what is essentially a one year deal. Indiana also moved on from Chris Duarte, but traded for the Knicks Obi Toppin and all of this was after bringing in four draft picks that were highlighted by Houston forward, Jarace Walker.
The 6-foot-8 forward to the Pacers was one of the more common selections in mock drafts and it seemed to make just as much sense to the decision makers within the organization as well.
Walker is a versatile defender - some believe that he has the potential to guard two through five and perhaps even one through five - that paired next to Myles Turner forms one of the more intriguing “young” defensive frontcourts in the NBA. The IMG Academy product has already put this on display throughout four summer league games while averaging over two-and-a-half stocks per game. He offers similar versatility on the offensive end with a skillset that allows him to play in multiple play types but is best used as a DHO operator or short roll passer.
The biggest area for growth with Walker will be his ability to finish off plays by putting the ball in the basket. His shooting progression was under question coming out of college with a respectable 3-point percentage of 35% but just 66% from the free throw line.
There were also question marks around his ability to finish at the rim and he has yet to answer these thus far with shooting splits of 34-18-44.
With their second selection of the first round the Pacers took the wing shooter from Belmont, Ben Sheppard. He shot over 40% from the 3-point line this past season on over six attempts per game and showed a well rounded game with five-plus rebounds and just under three assists. He has put that on display in summer league while making 40% on over six attempts per game and is still making his impact felt on the boards.
In the second round the Pacers selected Mojave King and Isaiah Wong.
Wong is currently on a two-way contract with the team along with Kentucky big man, Oscar Tshiebwe.
All three of these prospects have some intrigue in their own right but considering the roster the Pacers have built out it is hard to see a path to playing time beyond spot minutes when the team is dealing with injuries or rest.
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